Alberta school boards strike tentative deal with unionized support workers in Edmonton and Fort McMurray

CUPE members and supporters picket outside a school in Edmonton on Feb. 21, 2025. (JASON FRANSON/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The union representing more than 4,000 school support workers says they have reached tentative deals that could end a two-month strike as early as Wednesday.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees says the contracts are for staff with the Edmonton Public School Board as well as the public and Catholic school boards in Fort McMurray.

Union president Rory Gill says specific details won’t be released until the settlements have been ratified by members this week.

He says all three deals include pay increases and would be valid through August 2028.

“I’m in awe of the workers in Edmonton and Fort McMurray who stood their ground, in weather as cold as minus 51 degrees, to win a fair contract,” said Gill, in a media release. “Their fortitude, their determination, and their solidarity won the day.”

“Education support workers are critical to our school system, and today they finally won the respect they deserve,” said Gill.

The new contracts do not cover the thousands also on strike from the Calgary, Sturgeon, Parkland, Foothills and Black Gold school divisions.

Gill says those locals will be rushing back to the negotiating table to reach a deal.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 16, 2025.