CALGARY, Alberta – Education support workers across Alberta are taking to the picket lines, intensifying the province's already turbulent educational climate. The strike began on February 24, 2025, instigated by several groups from various school divisions, including the Calgary Board of Education (CBE), Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD), Black Gold School Division, and Foothills School Division, collectively representing over 7,000 workers.
According to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the unrest arises from years of stagnant wages coupled with rising inflation, which has left many support workers living on the edge of poverty. The average salary of around $34,500 per year for school support workers is insufficient, especially as many have been without significant wage increases for nearly ten years.
"A good education requires well-paid, satisfied support staff," stated CUPE Alberta President Rory Gill. He emphasized the difficulties members face as they juggle multiple jobs just to make ends meet. "Many of our members work two or three jobs. Many live on the edge of poverty," he said.
The job action follows earlier walkouts, with nearly 4,000 workers already on strike across Edmonton and Fort McMurray. The latest strikes, particularly those involving over 800 workers from the CBE and CCSD, were triggered by failed negotiations and mounting frustration over lack of government support. CUPE issued strike notices after negotiations reached deadlock, prompting the members’ vote to take action earlier this month.
On Monday morning, workers began their demonstrations at key locations. Members of CUPE Local 40 and Local 520 began their protests at the McDougall Centre and later traveled to their respective district head offices. Other locations facing protests include high schools across the Black Gold School Division and Foothills School Division.
Reportedly, the strike action has already led to disruptions, though schools remain open. CCSD is making arrangements to continue operations, including contracting certified individuals for necessary facility checks and ensuring extra cleaning staff are on hand to maintain hygiene standards amid the labor unrest. Facility rentals have been canceled, but outside of these adjustments, the district is committed to keeping before- and after-school programs running.
The strike has prompted debate within the Alberta government, which defends its education funding levels, claiming they are sufficient. Despite this, CUPE argues Alberta possesses the lowest per-capita education funding compared to any province across Canada. Gill has pointed out the negative impact this has on student learning, particularly for those requiring special supports.
The situation became even more pressing as Alberta’s education minister, Demetrios Nicolaides, is under scrutiny after the courts ruled against him following attempts to restrict special needs students' attendance. A recent court ruling blocked reductions on supports, calling for compliance with equitable access to education, which advocates fear is jeopardized by the current strikes.
CUPE signal there is little hope for resolution if the government does not step up its funding offerings. "We had hoped the government would respond earlier to the strikes, but it seems they don’t respect the role education support workers play," Gill remarked plainly.
The strike received support within the community, with parents and local advocates displaying solidarity with the education workers. CUPE representatives have indicated the significance of public awareness and the need for change to alleviate the burdens facing their members.
Across Alberta, other divisions are likely to join the movement, including those from the Parkland School Division, which has already begun limited job actions. Such actions signify potential for escalated labor strife as community members unite around the call for increased wages and funding.
Overall, this strike within Alberta’s education sector depicts not only the struggles of support staff but also the larger systemic issue of educational funding inadequacies. Without intervention and immediate change, the ramifications could spiral, affecting not only the workers but also the students they serve.
CCSD has pledged to keep parents informed about the latest developments as negotiations continue, hoping for a resolution. "We respect the collective bargaining process and remain committed to reaching a fair agreement," stated the district.
Overall, with public schools facing significant disruptions, many are watching closely to see how the situation develops. Gill warns, "Doing nothing will only make things worse. The students deserve much more than they are receiving now. We need the provincial government to step up and take action to end these strikes." A provincial budget announcement on February 27 could prove pivotal to addressing the issues at stake.