Frequently Asked Questions

• What is job action?
  • Job action includes a variety of actions such as a full strike, rotating strikes, an employer locking out employees or a “work to rule” campaign where union members limit the services they provide. Job action can be part of a process to negotiate changes to a collective agreement.

• Which employee groups are in a position to potentially take job action in the near future?
  • CUPE 290 and CUPE 2843 are the potentially impacted employee groups. This includes Educational Assistants, Advanced Educational Support, Learning Commons Facilitators, Student Support Workers, Administrative Assistants, Administrative Support, Business Support, Head Caretakers, Caretakers, Labourers, Labourer supervisors and trades staff, including journeyperson carpenters, plumbers and electricians.
  • CUPE 290 and 2843 have over 500 contracted and casual members in Lethbridge School Division.
  • This FAQ does not apply to members of The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). The ATA is in the process of negotiating a collective agreement with the provincial government. The bargaining process is different for ATA members compared to CUPE. While the Division is not currently negotiating with the ATA, it is our understanding ATA members are not in a position to take job action at this time. If we are notified by the provincial government this has changed, we will communicate with stakeholders.

• Will CUPE members go on strike?
  • Ultimately, the decision to strike is made by the CUPE membership. For a union to hold a legal strike the Alberta Labour Relations Board requires the following:
    • Any collective agreement between the union and the employer must be expired.
    • The parties must enter into a collective bargaining process.
    • The parties must work with a government appointed mediator.
    • A 14-day cooling off period must elapse following mediation.
    • A Labour Board supervised strike vote must be taken, and a majority of those voting must agree to the strike.
    • 72 hours' notice must be provided before a strike begins.

• Is Lethbridge School Division the only Division with a potential CUPE strike?
  • School Divisions across the province have CUPE members striking or in a position to strike. Recently, tentative agreements have been signed with some CUPE locals.
    
    
• If a strike happens how long will it last?
  • It's impossible to predict the duration of a strike. Both the union and the school board will work towards a resolution as quickly as possible.

• Will my child still be able to attend school if there is a CUPE strike?
  • Schools will remain open and operational if there is strike action. However, there will be disruptions to school operations and programming. Schools and the Division are working together on contingency plans to maintain operations in the event of job action and/or a strike.
  • We will make every effort to maintain programming with the staff and resources we have available. Creating safe, caring and enriching learning environments will remain our top priority.
  • Schools, with the support of the Division, will provide specific details about their operations as this situation evolves.

• What if my child has exceptionalities/complex needs?
  • We understand the unique needs of students with complex needs. We will assess student needs along with the supports available and create plans accordingly. Schools and/or the Division will work directly with impacted families regarding planning for student programming.

• Will there be field trips, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities if there is a CUPE strike?
  • Schools and the Division will be required to make operational decisions that prioritize student learning and student well-being. Each school context is different in terms of staffing and supports. Some schools may need to cancel these activities, and some may be able to continue some extra-curriculars and field trips. These decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

• What can parents, guardians and caregivers do to help?
  • We are grateful for support from our school communities. We ask for your patience and understanding as we work through a challenging and complex time.

• Can parents volunteer?
  • We appreciate any support we receive from parents/guardians/caregivers. Schools will let you know if they are able to accept volunteer assistance. Volunteer support is vital for our schools but during the duration of a strike, schools may not be in a position to effectively incorporate volunteers.

• How can I support my child if there is job action and/or a strike?
  • If there is a strike, students will be aware of changes in their school and classroom environment. Students interact with our CUPE colleagues every day. They are a big part of each student’s school experience and success. It is natural for students to have questions when there are changes to their day-to-day routine. It is important to discuss job action or disruption in a manner that is respectful for all parties and presents information in a factual way. While parents/guardians/caregivers will know best about how to talk with their children about this situation, these FAQs can help you provide information if your child asks questions.
  • If your child is very concerned or anxious, please contact the school so they can assist you and provide support.

• What is Lethbridge School Division doing to resolve the dispute?
  • We remain committed to working with CUPE Locals 2843 and 290 negotiating teams to collaboratively come to an agreement that meets the needs of our staff, is consistent with the Government of Alberta’s Public Sector Employers Act and is aligned with the funding we receive.

• Will there be picketing at schools?
  • There may be picket lines at schools and at the Division’s Education Centre. During legal job action, striking employees can participate in peaceful picketing during working hours on public property. We will provide updates of picketing locations when that information is available.
  • Parents may have questions related to student safety if picketing occurs at their school. Student safety is the top priority for the Division and for our CUPE colleagues. If picketing occurs at your school, the school will remain open, and students will be able to safely enter the building.

• What about school transportation?
  • Bus services will proceed as usual.

• How will I be notified about school closures or changes?
  • We will use multiple communication channels, including email via School Messenger, social media and website alerts. Please ensure your contact information is up to date.
  • We will also post updates on our school

• Where can I find more information?
  • The Division’s Labour Relations website will be updated as new information comes available.
  • You can also contact the school directly for school specific questions.

We understand this situation is challenging and creates concern and uncertainty. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.