Good afternoon,

Today we are providing an update in relation to the most recent Ministerial Order regarding in-person learning exemptions and our ongoing negotiations with CUPE Local 2559. 

Having our support staff and students back in school is imperative to the success of students and the school division as a whole. We know this has gone on for an extended period of time and we remain committed to finding a fair resolution as soon as possible. 

While we remain committed to finding a solution that is agreeable to all parties, the reality does remain that we are at an impasse and are far apart on the topic of wages. 

At this same time we can share that we are scheduled to return to the bargaining table with CUPE Local 2559 on Monday March 10, 2025. 

Ministerial Order:

• On the afternoon of February 26, 2025 we received an updated Ministerial Order from Alberta Education.
  • Since this time Fort McMurray Catholic Schools has engaged in a full review of the Order and our contingency planning. 

Our review includes:

• A thorough analysis of each and every student who has been excluded from any portion of school time during this labour withdrawal. 
• A thorough analysis of each specialized program and what programming they are able to offer during this labour withdrawal. 
• A comprehensive reassessment of our redeployment of staff and resources, which has been occurring since the beginning of rotational strike action in November. 
  • Fort McMurray Catholic Schools has carefully evaluated whether shifting certain grades or schools to virtual learning would create additional capacity for more students to attend in-person learning. After thorough consideration, we have determined that this is not a viable option at this time, as it would not increase our capacity to provide more students with a safe, secure, and caring learning experience.

We acknowledge that as we complete this detailed review, we do not have the capacity and resources available to bring every single student into an in person learning environment in a safe manner without our valuable support staff in our schools during this labour stoppage. 

Timeline:

• We recognize last week we said we’d reach out to families with programming updates by the end of this week. 
  • We appreciate your patience as we review programming for approximately 7000 students. We need more time to fully explore all options to bring as many students back to school as possible. 
• Families of students in Specialized Programming, as well as those with alternate programming during this labour action, will be contacted by mid week next week at the latest. 

Our commitment:

• Schools will be making every reasonable effort to support in person learning for all students, while balancing these efforts with operational realities.  
• All decisions will be made through the lens of safety for students and staff. 
• Fort McMurray Roman Catholic Separate School Division remains dedicated to bargaining in good faith.
• We recognize the great value all of our support staff bring to our division and our students.
• Fort McMurray Catholic Schools is continuing to explore all possible means and actions to have an expedient end to this labour dispute. 

Thank you for your grace, patience and understanding. We will continue to share updates with staff and all families when information is confirmed and can be shared. 

Fort McMurray Catholic Schools