Parents Frustrated as CUPE Changes Tactics in Rotating School Strikes

FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta — Frustration is mounting among parents as CUPE Local 2559 and 2545, representing support staff in Fort McMurray Public and Catholic schools, enter the second week of their rotating strikes.

The union has announced a shift in tactics, opting to inform parents which schools will be affected by strike action at 10:00 p.m. the night before, instead of several days in advance. The decision has sparked criticism, particularly from parents of special needs children, who say the late notice will leave them scrambling to make arrangements.

“This puts a lot of stress on families like mine,” said Barbara Hodder-Fitzpatrick, the mother of a 15-year-old son with cerebral palsy. “I don’t know if I’ll need to stay home from work or if my son can go to school. It feels like, as much as I want to see support workers get a fair deal, this is all happening on the back of the most vulnerable kids.”

Other parents took to social media to vent their frustrations, noting that the 10:00 p.m. strike announcements will only give them 10 hours to make plans if the rotating strike hits their schools. One parent, speaking to Harvard Media News on condition of anonymity, expressed worry over how the strike could affect their employment. They noted that having to call and tell their employer they will have to miss work to be with their child is unfair to everyone.

Hodder-Fitzpatrick knows firsthand what this is like. “Neither the school boards nor the union live with this uncertainty every day. They don’t get it.” While she says she thinks it would be easier if CUPE shifted to a full strike rather than a rotating strike, she would much prefer seeing the Government step in and break the deadlock.

A joint message to parents from Danielle Danis, President of CUPE Local 2559 and Lynn Fleet, President of CUPE Local 2545, asked parents for their consideration in the ongoing labour dispute. “The understanding of parents making alternate arrangements for their children on these days are deeply appreciated and it is the intention of CUPE members on strike to achieve a resolution as quickly as possible,” read the message. “They are very committed to achieving fairness.”

Both CUPE Locals 2559 and 2545 have invited the Catholic and Public boards back to the bargaining table. The school boards have also stated their willingness to reopen dialogue with the union. However, after mediation, a Disputes Inquiry Board, and seven days of a rotating strike, neither side has moved from their negotiating position.