The silent backbone: Alberta’s school support workers fight for fairness

In Alberta’s classrooms, it’s not the students causing the biggest disruption. Instead, it’s the adults who are supposed to keep the chaos in check. It turns out that even the unsung heroes of the school system have a breaking point. It’s somewhere between low wages and a decade of “thank-you” potlucks.

The ongoing dispute involving Alberta’s school support workers has brought to light significant issues within the province’s education system. These workers, encompassing roles such as education assistants, librarians, licensed practical nurses, interpreters, cafeteria workers, and administrative staff, are integral to the daily operations of schools. Despite their essential contributions, many have not seen a wage increase in over a decade. The average annual salary stands at approximately $34,500. 

Approximately 1,000 school support workers in Fort McMurray initiated strike action on January 7, 2025. This occurred in response to stagnant wages and challenging working conditions. The movement has since expanded. Over 3,000 support staff from the Edmonton Public School Board (EPSB) and the Sturgeon Public School Division began striking on January 13, 2025. The trend amongst the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has indicated that without meaningful intervention, strike actions could extend province-wide. Furthermore, it could potentially involve up to 7,000 workers across 41 union locals in the coming weeks. 

The Alberta New Democratic Party (NDP) has urged the provincial government to address this escalating situation. NDP Deputy Leader Rakhi Pancholi emphasized that the current predicament stems from underfunding and underappreciation of support staff. She stated, “this is a problem [the provincial government] created.” The NDP contends that the government’s inaction only disrupts students’ education. But it also sends a disheartening message to those dedicated to supporting Alberta’s youth.

Conversely, Finance Minister Nate Horner has criticized CUPE’s approach, suggesting that the union is misleading its members and the public. He remarked that no one should expect to earn a full-time salary for 10 months of part-time work. He also highlighted that school boards are responsible for negotiating with CUPE, with the province providing the necessary funding.

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) has been vocal in criticizing the provincial government for Alberta having the lowest per-student funding for education in the country. This funding shortfall puts significant pressure on school boards. It also limits school boards’ ability to allocate sufficient resources, including competitive pay for staff. Consequently, such financial constraints can affect staffing decisions, classroom conditions, and overall education quality.

The crux of this dispute lies in the broader context of funding sustainability for Alberta’s public schools. The government must balance fair compensation with fiscal responsibility. Neglecting the needs of support staff could lead to higher turnover rates, recruitment challenges, and diminished quality of support for students. CUPE Alberta President Rory Gill highlighted that many support staff are compelled to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. This underscores the inadequacy of current wages. 

This situation also raises concerns about the future of education workers in Alberta. If current staff continue to feel undervalued and underpaid, attracting and retaining talented individuals in these roles will become increasingly difficult. This could also deter people from pursuing further education or training required to become a school support worker. For current University of Alberta students, this could create doubt and anxiety around their education.

The province must decide whether it values its education system enough to invest adequately in its workforce, ensuring that schools remain conducive environments for both teaching and learning. Right now, the provincial government faces a critical decision. They either take immediate action to resolve the dispute and demonstrate a commitment to education, or risk long-term detriment to Alberta’s public school systems. The resolution of this conflict will have lasting implications for students, families, and the future of education in the province.