Foothills school support staff will soon return to work as a weeks-long strike comes to a close.
Members of CUPE Local 5040, representing 300 Foothills School Division (FSD) education support staff that have been on strike since Feb. 24, reached a tentative agreement with the school district on March 19, which was ratified by both the union and the FSD board of trustees on March 21.
The union returned to the bargaining table ahead of schedule as deals were reached between school districts and striking education workers throughout Alberta. Of the nine striking CUPE locals across the province, the Foothills workers were the last to reach a settlement.
The agreement will give members 13.9 to 28.5 per cent raises over the span of the collective agreement, which is in effect from Sept. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2028, according to CUPE.
"While it still leaves us behind the inflation rate, it is historically the best deal we’ve had," said Carla Penhalagan, president of CUPE Local 5040. .
The new agreement, which also includes one additional paid family sick day, was ratified by the union's membership with a 68.4 per cent majority vote.
"The fact that the approval rate was not overwhelmingly positive despite solid voter turnout speaks to the deal not being one that adequately represents the worth of CUPE members," said Penhalagan.
Following the ratification, FSD education workers are expected to return to work on Monday, March 24.
FSD superintendent Chris Fuzessy welcomed the end of the four-week job action in a statement.
"During the strike, our community faced challenges that tested our resilience and unity. I express my deep gratitude for the courage and dedication shown by our team. I am profoundly thankful for the contributions made by everyone involved. It is through such collective effort and determination that we discover our strength in collaboration and connection," said Fuzessy.
FSD non-teacher career and technology instructors, data facilitators, educational assistants, learning commons facilitators, office administrators, secretaries and youth development coaches are among the members of CUPE Local 5040.
"As professionals, we are eager to get back to the students and school communities that we have missed," said Penhalagan.
