CUPE Local 3550 has accused Edmonton Public Schools of trying to “circumvent” the union as the exclusive bargaining agent of striking school support workers.
The union’s lawyer on Thursday sent a cease-and-desist letter to the school district over correspondence to staff members and families, in which the union says Edmonton Public Schools shared information about “offers and discussions” made at the bargaining table.
“The communication suggested that certain items were part of a formal offer made by EPSB to the union and which the union had rejected. They were not. Instead, they were largely just concepts raised by EPSB at the table but lacking sufficient, or any, detail. Some were not even presented in writing,” the letter read.
The communication consisted of emails sent to staff and a post on SchoolZone, a family information portal. CTV News Edmonton has not seen the correspondence.
CUPE spokesperson Jocelyn Johnson said, “It appears this communication was intended as a pressure tactic, not as a legitimate attempt to convey a genuine update to members and parents.”
The union demanded Edmonton Public Schools retract the messages.
The school district insisted it was relaying the status of negotiations with staff in good faith.
“What we shared earlier this week is transparent, accurate and within our legal authority,” spokesperson Carrie Rosa said in a statement.
“We are disheartened that the local executive has chosen to respond in this manner. We remain committed to negotiating an agreement.”
They were returning to the bargaining table on Friday.
Roughly 3,000 education assistants, cafeteria workers, administration staff and others have been striking since Jan. 13.
