CUPE Local 829 Bargaining
March 21, 2025 | MHPSD is engaging with local CUPE administration to plan for next steps and will provide public updates as necessary.
Medicine Hat, AB ( March 12, 2025) - Union Vote is a NO, MHPSD Remains Committed to Finding Resolution
Today, the Alberta Labour Board announced that CUPE Local 829 voted not to ratify the proposed deal for 2024-2028.
Tracy Hensel, Superintendent stated, “We believe the proposed agreement offered a fair and competitive package, addressing key concerns raised during negotiations”.
While the vote result may bring uncertainty, MHPSD respects that this decision reflects the concerns and priorities of support workers. The negotiating committee plans to meet again with the new CUPE Local 829 bargaining committee to evaluate options for further negotiations and prepare for potential next steps.
“We are prepared to return to the negotiating table with the union to better understand their concerns and find a mutually agreeable solution,” stated Hensel.
"We acknowledge the concerns arising from the outcome of the proposal vote and our priority is to maintain a stable learning environment for students and workplace for staff. We remain committed to coming together with CUPE Local 829 to find a resolution and uphold our purpose of placing education at the centre of our community,” said Hensel.
-30-
Media Contact: Lee Krasilowez, Communications Manager
403.977.9086 | communications@sd76.ab.ca
Medicine Hat, AB (February 14, 2025)
Medicine Hat Public School Division (MHPSD) has sought a proposal vote from the Labour Relations Board to give local CUPE workers an opportunity to have their voices heard. A proposal vote allows MHPSD to give local education support workers the chance to vote on the tentative agreement that was signed by the local CUPE 829 bargaining committee and MHPSD on Feb 5 (see background information below).
“We believe that both sides agreed on a fair deal that will benefit education support workers today and into the future; we are optimistic about coming to a resolution,” shared Catherine Wilson, Board Chair.
While acknowledging CUPE’s right to object to the Labour Relations Board, MHPSD is hopeful that the vote will proceed swiftly. Pending any delays, the vote is expected within the next couple weeks.
“MHPSD is committed to open and honest communication with employees, ensuring local CUPE workers are informed, understand the proposed tentative agreement, and can have their local voices heard through a vote,” stated Wilson.
Wilson expresses that “we value the contributions of our support staff and believe they are essential to the success of students. We want to keep our relationships strong and empower support staff to continue their exceptional work in schools”.
MHPSD intends to move forward in good faith toward a mutually agreeable collective agreement.
Background
CUPE Local 829, as it relates to MHPSD, is the union for all education support workers (educational assistants, library technicians, clerical and custodians).
October 16-17, 2024 (non monetary) and Feb 4-5, 2025 (monetary): MHPSD and CUPE Local 829 bargaining committee’s engaged in positive negotiations. The negotiation moved forward collaboratively and in good faith toward a mutually agreeable collective agreement. Historically, MHPSD has perceived the relationship between the bargaining committees to be productive, positive and aimed at a successful resolution.
On Feb 5, MHPSD and the CUPE Local 829 bargaining committee reached a tentative agreement after undergoing good-faith negotiations characterized by compromise and collaboration. CUPE National took over Local 829 and placed them “under administration”, effectively removing all elected officials from their positions. MHPSD acknowledged the National takeover after the tentative agreement had already been signed. MHPSD was informed that CUPE National would not honour the tentative agreement and to date, has not presented it to their membership for a vote.
On Feb 7, MHPSD emailed CUPE staff to share the signed tentative agreements and to acknowledge that a bad faith bargaining complaint was filed. Following consultation with legal counsel, MHPSD filed a bad faith bargaining complaint due to the actions of CUPE National; specifically expressing concern regarding CUPE National's decision to remove the Local's executive from representing its members.
On Feb 11, MHPSD applied to the Labour Relations Board for a proposal vote for the reasons detailed above. The vote date is set for March 10 and 11, 2025.
On March 10/11 CUPE Support Workers voted NOT to accept the proposed deal.