Edmonton Public Schools Starts Rotating Online Learning
Mar 07, 2025 - financialpost.com
Edmonton Public Schools in Alberta are implementing rotating online learning as a response to a strike by educational support staff, which has entered its ninth week. The strike, involving 6,600 workers represented by CUPE Local 3550, is a protest against low wages and inadequate education funding. Alberta is noted for having the lowest-funded education system in Canada, with many support workers earning an average of $34,500 and experiencing nearly a decade without significant wage increases. Schools like Michael Strembitsky are sending students home once or twice a week, with entire grades alternating weeks at home.
CUPE 3550 President Mandy Lamoureux criticizes the move to at-home learning, arguing that students perform better in classrooms and urging the government to negotiate a fair wage increase for support workers. Lamoureux emphasizes the disruption caused to students and calls for the government to resolve the strike by returning to the bargaining table.
Key takeaways:
Edmonton Public Schools are implementing rotating online learning due to an ongoing strike by educational support staff.
CUPE Local 3550 has been on strike since January 13th, with 6,600 support staff demanding better wages and education funding.
Alberta is noted as having the lowest funded education system in Canada, with support workers earning an average of $34,500.
CUPE 3550 President Mandy Lamoureux criticizes the government's approach, advocating for in-class learning and a resolution to the strike.
