Saanich students set to return to class after 3 week support staff strike
Posted November 16, 2019 2:18 pm.
Last Updated November 16, 2019 4:09 pm.
SAANICH (NEWS 1130) — For the first time in three weeks, students in Saanich will be headed to school Monday.
Support staff started job action Oct. 28. Their key demand was higher wages, with the union saying workers in their district have been paid less than their counterparts in other places for decades.
The union announced a tentative deal Saturday.
“This strike has been difficult and we are pleased to have an agreement that the bargaining committee is recommending to our membership for acceptance,” said CUPE 441 President Dean Coates in a news release. “I’d like to thank our members, parents, teachers and the community for their support throughout, and the District for their commitment to Saanich schools and students.”
CUPE Local 441 & SD63 have reached a tentative agreement. Members will be holding a ratification meeting on Sun to vote on the agreement signed by both parties Sat morning. In a show of good faith, picket lines will come down and schools will be open on Monday. #bcpoli #saanich
— Lana Popham (@lanapopham) November 16, 2019
The exact terms of the deal are not being released until the contract is ratified.
About 7,300 students go to Saanich schools and the district decided to cancel classes when the teachers’ union said its members would not cross picket lines.
Staff represented by CUPE 441 include education assistants, library techs, youth and family counsellors, and custodial staff.
