CBE Cancels In-Person Parent Visits Due to Strike

CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) has cancelled in-person parent-teacher meetings due to the strike by CUPE 40 custodial workers.

CUPE 40’s 800 members have been on strike since February 24. They are part of a strike of 6,600 education support workers across Alberta. The average support staff person makes just $34,500 and many have gone ten years without a meaningful wage increase.

CUPE 40 President Clay Gordon said the cancellation was unfortunate, as face-to-face meetings are generally more productive. Gordon said the state of schools and lack of background checks for replacement workers are likely to blame.

“The house is a mess, and they don’t want company,” said Gordon. “And they have some scabs in the building that may be a little dodgy.”

“Rather than continue to cancel events in the school, wouldn’t it be better if the Alberta government just came to the bargaining table, gave workers a livable wage and ended the strike?”

:clc/cope 491