EDMONTON, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CUPE Local 3550 members met in an online meeting on the evening of October 21st to discuss plans underway for the beginning of their strike action slated to begin on Thursday, October 24th. Hundreds of members attended with dozens of questions, messages of support, and requests for “I love education support workers” lawns signs for their neighbours.
CUPE Alberta president Rory Gill attended the meeting, offering support and information to the members who are in their first ever strike position as education support staff at Edmonton Public. Mandy Lamoureux, president of the local, heard from members during the meeting and shared updated plans for what the day would look like on October 24th, “noting that picket lines will be set for members to arrive at 10:00am at six locations to start on Thursday. Each day after that will have three shifts: 7:00am -11:00am, 10:00am - 2:00pm and 1:00pm - 5:00pm.”
Members asked about inviting friends and family to picket with them, handing out information to parents who have asked how they can help and other logistics. The meeting ran well over 2 hours with attendance holding until the end. Despite this being the first ever experience with job action for this local, members had insightful and organized conversation. “While we hoped not to have to strike or for long, we are very prepared,” said Lamoureux.
Picket locations
M.E. Lazerte High School 6804 114 Avenue
Ross Sheppard High School 13546 111 Avenue
Victoria High School of the Arts 10210 108 Avenue
Jasper Place High School 8950 163 Street
McKee Elementary School 10725 51 Street
J. Percy Page High School 2707 Mill Woods Road
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