The union representing more than 5,500 school support workers says if no deal is reached with the government and employers in the next few days, then members will walk off the job as early as Monday.
CUPE and the government as well as school boards reached an impasse in negotiations earlier this month. Positions affected include janitors, early childhood educators, cafeteria workers and more.
Key issues are quality of education and wages.
In a notice sent to CUPE members Tuesday afternoon, obtained by Acadia News, the union says they want at least $3.50 an hour wage increases over four years for every school support worker, or a strike notice will be issued on Friday.
“This weekend, we were hoping that government and the Employers would come back to the table, knowing that a strike is looming,” says the union.
“Instead of taking the opportunity to settle our contract before job action, they’re trying to wait us out.”
In email to families Tuesday, school boards say as classes continue, they know the uncertainty is difficult.
“We continue to hope an agreement can be reached and disruption to students, families and school communities can be avoided,” reads the email.
If there is a strike, it would impact the eight locals differently. Members could walk off the job by November 2.
