Labour Relations | CUPE

What is the provincial framework for negotiations?

As per the Public Sector Employers Act (PSEA), bargaining directives (monetary items and compensation) are issued to all public sector employers negotiating contracts with unionized staff, and we cannot operate outside of these parameters. Bargaining directives were implemented in Alberta, through the Provincial Bargaining Compensation Office (PBCO) in December 2019 following the passage of the PSEA.  As such, School Divisions and other government entities are required to use the directives to inform and guide negotiations.

View the CUPE Bargaining Infographic

What is job action?  

The term job action can be defined as an action taken by employees or the employer to inconvenience, pressure, or attempt to force the granting of certain demands between the parties as a result of the collective bargaining process. Job action can occur when bargaining unit employees choose to strike, or when the employer chooses to lockout bargaining unit employees. Other terms used to describe job action include ‘work stoppage’ and ‘labour disruption.

Job action activities could include strikes, rotating strikes, lockouts, and passive “work to rule” activities, such as: refusing to report to work as scheduled, leaving work early, refusing to perform assigned work, groups calling in sick at the same time, engaging in slow downs, attending union meetings or information sessions on the employer’s time and without employer permission, etc. 

Source Alberta Labour Relations Board 

When can a union go on strike?

There are several requirements for unions to hold a legal strike. These include: 

• Any collective agreement between the union and the employer must be expired. 
• The parties must enter into collective bargaining. 
• 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 (unions) or lockout poll (employers) must be taken, and a majority of those voting must agree to the strike or lockout. 
• One party must serve the other (as well as the mediator) with 72 hours of notice before the strike or lockout commences.

Source Alberta Labour Relations Board

How long will the strike last? 

• The duration of a strike cannot be determined. We remain committed to working with the CUPE Local 5040 negotiating team to collaboratively come to an agreement that is within Division and provincial constraints and that recognizes the value our team members provide to the organization. 

Will my child still be able to attend school? 

• Schools will remain open during the strike action. 
• Within our obligations under s. 33 (1)d of the Education Act to provide a safe learning environment, we are prioritizing the safety and well-being of all students and staff. 

What if my child has complex needs and requires additional supports? 

• We understand the unique needs of students with complex needs. We are assessing the needs of students and creating individualized plans. Direct communication to affected families will be sent once office strike notice is received. 

Will buses be running during CUPE job action? 

• Bus services will proceed as usual. Please check Bus Route Status for route delay and cancellation updates.

How will I be notified about school changes? 

• Direct communications will be via email to the contacts that are associated on each student account. Please access your Edsembli Family Portal account to update your contact information, including granting FSD permission to email you, as per the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation. 
• Updates and an archive of communications will be available on this Labour Relations page. 

How do I get a hold of someone at the school if secretaries are not there?

• FSD schools will have limited reception coverage during a labour involving CUPE Local 5040. There may be a delay in answering phone and email inquires.
• Parents and guardians are encouraged to reach out to the classroom teacher via email should they need to reach the school. 

What if the matter is urgent or if there is an emergency where I need to contact my student at school? 

•  For emergent situations call your school and we contact school leadership for you.

Where can I find more information?  

• This webpage will be updated as information becomes available. Please contact your school Principal for student or site-specific questions. 

What can parents and guardians do to help during this time?

• We encourage families to remain patient and understanding during this period. You can help by assuring that your child is prepared for learning each day and for potential changes to their daily routine and by staying informed through official FSD updates.

Can I volunteer at my child’s school to help during the strike?

• While we appreciate offers of assistance, schools must adhere to specific protocols and may have limited capacity to integrate volunteers. Please check with your child’s school if they are accepting volunteer help.

What is the school division doing to resolve this dispute?

• FSD is committed to ongoing negotiations and reaching an agreement with CUPE Local 5040. We value the important contributions of our staff, including those who are CUPE members, and are working towards a resolution that supports both staff and students within provincial and Division parameters. 

How can I support my child's understanding of the labour action?

• Children will be naturally curious about the change in their school environment. Students interact with teachers, learning commons facilitators, office administrators, and other support staff roles  every day. These individuals are a big part of each student’s school engagement, support, and success.  It is important that we discuss the labour action in a manner that remains respectful of all parties and presents information in a straightforward way.  We can’t always control how kids repeat what they absorb, so it is best to answer questions as neutrally as possible, explaining different sides. 
  • If a child asks about the strike, explain that the union is advocating for their collective agreement, which is the terms of their employment as a group. The union and the school division are figuring out how to best come to an agreement that recognizes the important work of the school-based support staff employees and also meets the parameters set by the province and the division.  
  • If a child wonders why people seem angry, mention that education is important, and this can lead to strong emotions. Remaining respectful despite high emotions is most important. 
  • Address the child's specific worries. Refer to the school’s operational adaptation plan as communicated by the principal.  Remind the child that families and schools are working together to make sure everyone stays safe. 
  • Emphasize that learning and safety is the priority. 

My child is showing big emotions. What can we do?

• Students who are concerned, anxious, or experiencing big emotions at any time, or about the absence of school team members/strike activity outside their school are encouraged to speak with the Family School Liaison Counsellor. 
• We recognize and understand dealing with uncertainty and change in routine can impact both adults and children. Our goal is to maintain regular school business and activities as much as possible. 
• As well, parents and caregivers are encouraged to reach out to supports and resources available in your local community. Link to Community Supports page