Edmonton

Substitute teachers replacing school support staff during strike 'a slap in the face': union president

The union representing Edmonton Public Schools support workers are questioning the use of substitute teachers to fill gaps in the classroom while more than 3,000 of its members are on strike.

Edmonton Public Schools says they have a responsibility to maintain student learning

Women holding pickets on a winter morning before the sun is up.
Striking school support workers picketed Monday outside Ross Sheppard High School at 135th Street and 111th Avenue. (David Bajer/CBC)

The union representing Edmonton Public Schools support workers are questioning the use of substitute teachers to fill gaps in the classroom while more than 3,000 of its members are on strike.

School support workers include education assistants, cafeteria workers and administration staff. Workers walked off the job this earlier week, calling for better wages.

CUPE Local 3550 president Mandy Lamoureux says they're hearing about supply teachers being brought in to cover some of the work her members would normally do, even though teachers are paid more.

"It's such a slap in the face while they're struggling and they're suffering on the picket line right now," said Lamoureaux.

The union says the board is paying each teacher $230 per day, which is more than the striking members are demanding in contract talks.

"Our argument is, well, if you can pay a teacher, then you can pay an educational assistant," said Lamoureaux.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Edmonton Public Schools says they have a responsibility to maintain student learning.

"We are working hard to maintain as much face-to-face learning as possible, while prioritizing the safety of students. We have a responsibility and expectation to keep learning moving forward," reads the statement.

"Each school is making decisions about how to best utilize available resources, including supply teachers (commonly referred to as substitute teachers), based on their individual needs and circumstances"

The statement said the number of substitutes normally brought in for things like field trip coverage has been reduced to make sure schools can get classroom support and the school board remains committed to ending the strike.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Trevor Howlett

Reporter/editor

Trevor Howlett is a journalist with CBC Edmonton. He previously reported in Nova Scotia, Fort McMurray and Red Deer. You can reach him at [email protected].

With files from Madeline Smith and The Canadian Press