(Fort McMurray, AB - November 18th, 2024) The Fort McMurray Public School Division (FMPSD) has not issued a lockout notice. However, as rolling strikes can create significant disruptions, we are monitoring the situation closely and considering all options to maintain a stable learning environment.
Anticipating a November 13 strike date, FMPSD did file an application (as per a decision by the trustees to have this tool available) on November 7 with the Alberta Labour Relations Board to obtain the ability to issue a lockout notice should the strike action become unmanageable. Later that same day, we received an official strike notice from CUPE Local 2545, which represents our support staff.
While we remain open to continued discussions with CUPE Local 2545, an agreement has not been reached, particularly on the topic of wages. Despite our willingness to meet recently, the Local was not willing to do so.
The Board is required to, and actively committed to, operating within the budget and guidelines set forth, which limits our ability to meet the requested cumulative wage increase of $6 per hour. Utilizing reserve funds to meet these demands would jeopardize our ability to fund critical programs and services, and lead to cuts in spending.
We want the community to know that the Board has actively advocated for increased funding for many years. Our efforts include multiple meetings and conversations with Ministers of Education and MLAs, public information campaigns, and feedback sessions through provincial organizations. FMPSD will continue this work to secure additional resources and adequate support from the Government of Alberta to meet the growing needs of the Division.
Throughout these challenges, FMPSD remains committed to serving our students. While we will do our best to accommodate every student’s needs, there may be cases where certain special needs students must remain home if support staff are unavailable at their school during the strike.
We respect and appreciate FMPSD Support Staff, and our priority is always our students. All decisions are made with students' best interests in mind.
We thank our community for their patience and understanding as we work through this complex situation.
Office of the Superintendent On Behalf of the Board of Trustees
Fort McMurray Public School Division
780-799-7900
info@fmpsd.ab.ca
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