School support workers go public

EDMONTON – CUPE 3550 (Edmonton Public Schools Support Staff) has always been serious about building strong communities.

The local has raised money for the Youth Emergency Shelter, collected supplies for WIN House, and makes a point of encouraging and educating its members to participate in elections at all three levels of government.

Now, the Local has decided to sponsor recreational facilities that cater to the students they see every day in their schools by supporting local skating arenas and indoor soccer facilities.

“From our perspective, our sponsorships are win-win,” said President Trudy Grebenstein. “The local helps to provide important community facilities, and we spread the word about the important work our members do as partners in public education.”

CUPE 3550 members represent administrative and educational support positions in the school district, which Grebenstein says helps teachers do their best work by supporting the teaching and learning that creates bright futures for children and makes public schools a better place to learn.

“Special needs kids couldn’t get a proper education without CUPE educational assistants supporting teaching and learning every day,” said Grebenstein. “And no child could learn in a school without administrative, library technician, interpreter, science technician and other support my members provide to keep things running smoothly.”

“I’m proud to belong to a union that builds strong communities both on the job, and afterhours.”

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