We want to provide an update on our ongoing negotiations with CUPE Local 2559. On Friday, January 24, 2025, the Fort McMurray Roman Catholic Separate School Division invited the bargaining committee to resume discussions. During this meeting, we presented an updated offer and engaged in meaningful dialogue. We were tentatively scheduled to reconvene today, Friday, January 31, for further discussions, but this meeting was canceled. 

Clarifying the Employer’s Offer:

To ensure transparency, we want to share∫ key details of our most recent offer:

• A cumulative 14% wage increase (14.8% compounded) over the proposed contract term.
• Enhanced health and wellness benefits.
• The proposed agreement spans from 2020 to 2028 (8 years), providing long-term stability.
• Upon ratification, support staff would receive an immediate wage increase of over 5.8%, plus any applicable retroactive pay.

Fort McMurray Catholic Schools remains open to reasonable counter offers from CUPE Local 2559.

Our Commitment:

We remain dedicated to bargaining in good faith and ensuring our valued support staff return to work. Having our support staff and students back in school is essential.

• An eight-year agreement would provide long-term stability and assurance for support staff, families, and the school division.
• The offer presented represents a significant fiscal commitment from the Fort McMurray Roman Catholic Separate School Division.
• The full details of our proposal were shared with the local bargaining committee on January 24, 2025.

We welcome CUPE Local 2559’s bargaining committee to return to the table with a counter offer in a timely manner so we can work together to finalize an agreement that provides the certainty, stability, and support that our students and staff deserve.
 

Fort McMurray Catholic Schools