MANITOBA

Union representing non-teaching school district staff approves strike mandate

Ian Graham / Thompson Citizen
JUNE 29, 2021

Photograph By THOMPSON CITIZEN FILES

The union that represents non-teaching staff at the School District of Mystery Lake (SDML) provided their bargaining committee with a resounding strike mandate last week as they attempt to negotiate a new contract.

All of the members of United Steelworkers Local 8223 who turned out for the vote were in favour of a strike mandate.

“The local is still in the process of negotiations and will hopefully soon be in monetary discussions with the school division and trustees,” said USW District 3 staff representative Matt Winterton. “The union is hopeful that a labour dispute can be avoided through a fair settlement to this round of negotiations.”

The union represents about 185 school district employees, including custodians, maintenance workers, educational assistants, librarian clerks, information technology staff and other support staff who have been without a contract or wage increases since 2017.

“Meanwhile the cost of living has increased at least eight per cent since the expiration of their collective agreement, which means throughout the pandemic and beyond these workers have actually gone backwards financially,” said Winterton. “This is on top of the mounting pressures and burdens the provincial government is placing on the education system.”

SDML declined to comment to the Thompson Citizen about the ongoing contract negotiations.