We reach out to you to share the latest information we have regarding a possible labour action from CUPE Local 2559 (CUPE). It is our understanding that our Support Staff will be voting on the recommendations of the Disputes Inquiry Board (DIB) from Friday, November 1 to Monday, November 4, 2024. 

Who are Support Staff in CUPE Local 2559?

The Support Staff of Fort McMurray Catholic Schools includes: Educational Assistants, Custodians, Maintenance Staff, Child Care Services, Indigenous Liaisons, Teacher Assistant Supervisors (TAS), Community Hosts, Courier, Librarians, and Office Administrative Support.

How We Got Here:

• The collective agreement between CUPE Local 2559 and the Fort McMurray Roman Catholic School Division expired on August 31, 2020. The two parties have been bargaining actively since then, including engaging with a mediator in December 2023 and August 2024.  
• CUPE Local 2559 conducted a supervised strike vote on September 10 and 11, 2024.
• CUPE Local 2559 had issued a strike notice on September 13, 2024
• On September 16, 2024 the Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade stepped in to institute a Disputes Inquiry Board process, which meant both parties continued negotiations with a neutral third-party arbitrator without any work stoppages. 
• This process was unsuccessful in creating an agreement between the two parties and the Disputes Inquiry Board issued a report to both parties with their recommendations for resolution. 

Information and Process Updates:

• If CUPE Local 2559 members vote in favour of the DIB recommendations, the recommendations are binding and will be included in the terms of a new collective agreement.
• If CUPE Local 2559 members do not vote in favour of the recommendations of the DIB, negotiations continue. CUPE may choose to begin a labour disruption, and a new strike notice would be issued if they do.
• Any strike notice would be given at least 72 hours in advance
   

Impact on Student Learning: 

• We understand that the absence of these dedicated staff members will create significant challenges for our operations, and acknowledge that the absence of these valuable staff members from our buildings will cause noticeable challenges to our daily operations. 
• It is our intent that despite these challenges, Fort McMurray Roman Catholic Separate School Division will remain open in the event of CUPE withdrawing their services. It is possible not all programming and extra curricular activities will be able to occur if a labour disruption were to take place. On a case by case basis, if appropriate supports are not available, students may be asked to remain at home.

A safe, secure, and caring learning and working environment is always our number one priority in Fort McMurray Catholic Schools. Safety, health and security of our students is taken very seriously and will help to guide our decisions. 

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates and information through email and our website. If you have questions specific to your child’s program please contact your child’s school directly.

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

Fort McMurray Catholic Schools