The Saanich School District strike is now in its eighth day, cancelling classes for almost 8,000 students.
The CUPE Local 441 bargaining unit met with its employer Tuesday for a marathon bargaining session that concluded at midnight. According to a special bulletin released by the union on its website, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement.
The bulletin states that the bargaining committee could not reach an agreement with the employer. The local is emailing the employer’s final offer today to its 500 members.
This afternoon in a meeting that begins at 3:30 p.m. at the Friendship Community Church, members will have the opportunity to ask questions.
In the release, the bargaining unit states that it’s disappointed it could not reach an agreement that it can recommend to its members. The meeting tonight will feature either a ratification vote on the latest offer, or a discussion on the direction about bargaining.
The support workers are fighting for wage parity with neighbouring school districts.
CUPE Local 441 represents more than 500 support staff in School District 63 (Saanich). Employee classifications include; School Support Worker (E.A.’s, Technical Support Staff, Library Techs and Youth and Family Counsellors), Clerical, Custodial, District Resource Centre, Transportation, Grounds and Maintenance.
Mary Griffin
