Charter Rights Under Attack: CUPE Hosts Education Day of Action Across Alberta

[Link] CUPE education workers and their allies in Fort McMurray, Calgary, Drumheller, Okotoks, Leduc, and Edmonton took to the streets on Saturday, September 21, for an Education Day of Action, protesting the Smith government's violation of their Charter-protected right to free collective bargaining.

The government's decision to force CUPE 2545 and CUPE 2559 members to the provincial Disputes Inquiry Board, DIB, has halted a planned strike, but the workers remain united in their demands for fair wages and improved working conditions.

This action comes as the Smith government continues to disregard the rights and livelihoods of education workers across the province. CUPE Alberta President Rory Gill expressed frustration with the government's disregard for the quality of education in Alberta schools and the rights of workers to negotiate a fair deal but confirmed that "while the DIB process has temporarily blocked strike action, CUPE members remain committed to fighting for a fair outcome."

Education workers have long advocated for improvements in schools, pushing back against offers that would undermine the quality of the education services they provide. With no true wage increase in nearly a decade, many education workers are struggling to get by, working multiple jobs and using food banks to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, they remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting students and securing fair compensation.

"Saturday's Day of Action is a powerful demonstration of workers' determination to achieve a fair resolution across all negotiations, not only for themselves but for the future of Alberta's education system," said Gill.

The Smith government's ongoing wage restraint mandate is preventing school divisions from negotiating fair wages for staff, a barrier that CUPE leadership says must be removed if a meaningful deal is to be reached.