Support Staff Strike Action at Fort McMurray Schools Could Begin Next Week

FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta— Support staff in Fort McMurray’s Catholic and Public School divisions could go on strike as early as next week. CUPE representatives said Sunday that the Alberta government has finally responded to the union’s rejection of the Disputes Inquiry Board’s (DIB) recommendations and is requiring an online vote from members to confirm the rejection. If members agree, CUPE plans to issue a 72-hour strike notice, with a walkout anticipated to start on November 4 or 5.

Meanwhile, support workers for Edmonton Public Schools with CUPE Local 3550 in Edmonton are entering the provincial Disputes Inquiry Process, delaying their planned labour strike. Because of the Alberta Government’s recent use of the DIB, Public Sector Unions throughout Alberta are paying close attention to how the situation in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo unfolds.