27,000 K-12 workers across BC represented by 57 CUPE locals have now taken local strike votes with the rest expected to be completed by the end of June.

The main issues are job security and wages. CUPE K-12 workers have been without a wage increase since 2009. Talks at the provincial level broke down in April after six months of fruitless bargaining.

The problem, says K-12 Presidents’ Council Chair Colin Pawson, is that the school system has been chronically underfunded and denied a mandate by the provincial government to actually settle a new contract. Pawson said that “for the CUPE education workers who keep our schools clean, safe and inclusive, it’s a case of hope for the best and prepare for the worst.”

CUPE represents education assistants, clerical staff, trades, custodians, bus drivers and dozens of other support worker classifications in BC school districts. The average wage for a CUPE K-12 worker is $24,000/year.

***

Note to K-12 CUPE staff: On June 20, 2013 we are requesting each of you to come to work at your normal time. Please perform you usual duties and activities during the normal hours of your shift. I understand that for some departments normal job duties and normal job hours may be varied at this time of the school year. At the normal completion time of your shift, please cease work and go home. Do not accept any offered overtime and please do not remain at the workplace or participate in any type of voluntary activity.

Our intention is to crystallize our strike mandate without disrupting the classroom environment. Refusing to perform overtime and volunteer activities is sufficient to crystallize our strike mandate while not disrupting the education of the children we serve. Your participation is vital.