Saanich, B.C. K-12 workers strike over wage disparity

Notice served on Oct. 23 by CUPE

Saanich, B.C. K-12 workers strike over wage disparity
Both sides remain unable to reach a settlement after seven months at the bargaining table, says the union. Google Street View

After two failed attempts at mediation, K-12 support staff in School District #63 in Saanich, B.C. walked off the job on Oct. 28.

Following the bargaining committee’s rejection of the employer’s offer, Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Local 441 sought mediation to reach a deal but the two sessions were unsuccessful, says the union.

The union served 72-hour strike notice on Oct. 23 but had hoped that the parties would have gone back to the table and negotiated a deal that addressed longstanding wage parity issues, says CUPE.

“We have let the employer know that we are available around the clock to sit down and come to a settlement,” says Dean Coates, CUPE 441 president. “We are disappointed to be on strike, but we need to gain fairness for our members.”

The two sides remain unable to reach a settlement after seven months at the bargaining table, says the union.

CUPE 441 represents almost 500 K-12 support staff including education assistants, clerical, library techs, youth and family counsellors, custodial, grounds, maintenance, transportation, trades, and district support workers.

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