CUPE Strike Notice Served to PSD
February 14, 2025 - Parkland School Division (PSD) would like to provide an important update regarding a potential strike action by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 5543. While we respect the right of support workers to strike, we remain committed to bargaining and finding a resolution that avoids further disruption.
Strike Notice Served
PSD has received 72-hour strike notice from the CUPE Local 5543 and they have communicated their intent to begin a work-to-rule campaign starting Tuesday, February 18th. This action involves educational support staff limiting their duties to only those tasks outlined in their contracts and working strictly within their paid hours.
What this means
As long as the labour action remains a work-to-rule campaign, school days could continue without disruption. However, the union has the ability to escalate their labour action to a full strike without further notice. While we understand from CUPE Local 5543 that it is not their immediate plan to escalate to a full strike, the Division is now in a situation in which we must implement contingency plans, which may have to be initiated beginning Tuesday, February 18th. Our Division is exploring multiple options to minimize disruptions, but due to the potential of sudden reduced staffing, we will have to make temporary adjustments. The safety and well-being of every student remains our top priority.
Impact on Student Learning
We understand that a potential full strike will impact school operations and student learning. We are working diligently to have classrooms, schools and offices remain safe and welcoming spaces. Please be assured that we are actively working towards a resolution. Families with students who have complex needs will be contacted to discuss what this means for their child. Final decisions regarding requesting a student to learn from home part-time or full-time will be based on direction that the Division is provided by the Minister of Education.
PSD’s Commitment
School administrators and Division staff continue to work on contingency plans to address any further developments.
We truly appreciate the incredible support staff who support our students in schools every day in various roles as well as many staff who work in our Division Office. They contribute daily as we all work towards our Ultimate Goal of Student Success & Well-being.
PSD remains committed to working toward a resolution and is pleased that the union has agreed to head back to the bargaining table. Both parties have agreed to continue bargaining Thursday, February 20th and Friday, February 21st. It is our sincere hope that progress can be made during these upcoming negotiations.
Shauna Boyce, Superintendent
Parkland School Division