The support workers in CUPE 441 are on strike fighting for wage parity with the other districts in the area.

This issue has caused a shortage of these vital workers in our schools and in turn, Saanich Schools are losing support staff to the other districts.

Currently, the wages are $4 to $5 less per hour than the other districts.

Students are out of school for an indefinite period of time, and are left confused with no answers.

The provincial framework agreement allows provisions for individual locals (CUPE441) to bargain for wage comparability adjustments, lower wage redress adjustments, and labour market adjustments.

We are petitioning the government of British Columbia, the Ministry of Education and School District 63 to work outside the wage mandate, and provide wage parity for workers in Saanich Schools.

Our support staff deserve a fair wage, and our students need to be in school!