As many of you know, for the past several months, a dedicated group of RDCRD Educational Assistants and Support Staff has been researching and working toward the goal of being represented by CUPE. At this time I would like to take the liberty of speaking for many when I say that those of us who have undertaken this process are not disgruntled or unhappy with our district or our jobs. We take pride in the fact that each and every workday is filled with wonder, laughter and challenges. We do not take for granted the impact and influence our caring ministrations have upon, not only the children to whom we are assigned, but also the many others who cross our paths daily. Many of us have experienced phenomenal support and respect from our administration regarding our work. We have great relationships with our students and co-workers alike. But, sadly, there are areas that are lacking. We have no formal representation, and no negotiating power. Below, you find listed some areas that need work and the potential impact having representation from a bargaining agent such as CUPE would have. What would change? – What we currently have, would stay the same. Current terms and conditions of employment freeze until a contract is drawn up and passed. What could we have? -Proper training for EA’s working with children who have medical, emotional, and behavioral challenges. - Standard training procedures and equipment would be provided for EA’s working in industrial shops and food preparation areas. -Better job conditions, being paid for hours worked, or receiving regular time in lieu compensation for extra circular commitments. Many support staff must supplement their income with additional jobs in order to secure their families’ financial survival and need to be compensated for all hours worked. - More hours. This would allow us time to plan and research strategies and meet with teachers about the child who believes to his core that he is innately “stupid”, when in fact, he has just never had someone take the time to help him attain a goal and believe in himself. - A Code of Ethics. This would ensure that all parties operate within the boundaries of the the Alberta Labour Relations Board, as well as, the Alberta Human Rights’ Commission. Teachers are able to negotiate all of the above with their ATA representation. EA’s and Support Staff have no formal representation or negotiating team. We do not want to change what we currently have. We just want dignity and a voice. And, for those of us who have all of these things, we owe it to our colleagues to stand up and demand the same for them. We owe it to the children whom we nurture, mentor and adore, because we have an obligation to model what it means to be treated fairly and support others when they need it. When our students are faced with a situation in which a peer is being treated differently, or unfairly, we do not advise them to turn a blind eye and celebrate what they themselves have. We tell them to help, support and stand up for others. We owe it to our colleagues, the dignity of our profession and the children of our future to stand up and do the same.
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 16:04:21 +0000
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