Years of zeros and the government’s wage directives have set workers back. A decade of 0%, 1% or 2% has meant going backwards in real dollars, since cost of living increases have been significantly higher.

Most public-sector workers in Alberta have a weaker purchasing power and lower real wages now than they did 10 years ago.

Workers are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet and it is not sustainable. Recent high inflation of 6.4% percent in 2022 and 3.3% percent in 2023 has only made the situation worse.

Join us in taking a stand to raise wages and increase the collective purchasing power of workers.  Visit and sign up at https://site.wagingahead.ca/

CUPE 2550 WINS DEAL THAT PUTS STUDENTS FIRST

Union successfully pushes back on school division’s wage cut proposal in late-night Labour Day negotiations.

ST. ALBERT — Yesterday morning, CUPE 2550 and the Greater St. Albert Catholic School Division reached a deal that averted strike action. The union successfully pushed back on a proposal that would have seen some new staff take a ten percent wage reduction. The new agreement will now provide better wages to all staff.

“In June, our members voted to strike because we knew that wage cuts would impact our students and families,” said CUPE 2550 President Mary Morin. “I’m so proud of our members who stood together so that we could achieve a deal that’s good for staff, students and parents.”

Under the new agreement, members will receive their first raise in almost nine years and no member will be facing a reduction in wages. By successfully fighting back against wage cuts for new members, the union ensured that the school division would not create further recruitment and retention issues that would impact student learning.

“School Divisions are challenged to recruit and retain education support staff because wages are still too low. There is still work to do to ensure our members receive a fair wage that allows them to focus on their students and not a second our third job. We look forward to bargaining the next contract this fall with the division,” said Morin.

School support staff are some of the most poorly paid workers across Alberta. With the new agreement already expired, CUPE 2550 is keen to work with parents and allies to fight for fair wages and quality public education for families in Morinville and Legal at the bargaining table.

On June 26, 2024, the union representing 10,000 school support workers served simultaneous notice to bargain to 41 school districts for the contracts of education workers. CUPE represents school administrative staff, educational assistants, custodial workers and other classifications in the school system.

CUPE Alberta President Rory Gill explained that the 41 different CUPE Locals have never engaged in this level of co-ordination, but said the notice represents an historic shift in the union’s approach.

“We’re not going to let the province pick us apart one school district at a time,” said Gill. “Our members are determined to get the respect they deserve.”

Gill said the average education worker in Alberta makes $34,000 a year. According to provincial government figures, Educational Assistants make only $27,000.

“Poverty level wages and a decade of losing ground to inflation has changed our approach,” said Gill. “Our locals are working together and will stand together as we fight for salaries that pay the rent.”

“Education workers play a key role in our schools,” said Gill. “But too many of them are working multiple jobs or relying upon the food bank. It’s shameful the lack of respect we pay to people with such a high level of responsibility and passion for students.”