Holy Spirit rescinds layoff notices after union complaint

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Southern Alberta Newspapers

More than 200 education support staff breathed a sigh of relief after the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division rescinded a layoff notice on Oct. 16.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) demanded Oct. 15 that the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division immediately rescind layoff notices issued earlier this month to more than 200 education support staff. 

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides had issued a statement informing school boards that there would be no cuts to funding for support staff during the current Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) strike. 

“I want to be absolutely clear: I expect school boards to use the funding they’ve been given to keep EAs on the job,” said Nicolaides in the statement.  

CUPE said that despite this, Holy Spirit chose to ignore the minister’s direction and sent the layoff notice anyway. It was the only school division in Alberta to do so. Other divisions, including Pembina Hills and Northern Lights, rescinded or reversed plans for layoff notices. 

Erin Rolfson, communications representative with CUPE Alberta, told Southern Alberta Newspapers on Oct. 16 that there was verbal confirmation from members that the notice was rescinded.

“The education support workers at CUPE 1825 are extremely relieved that the layoff notice has been rescinded,” said Rolfson. “It helps provide stability during a very uncertain time and it gives them more security about being able to continue to provide for their families.”

She said members have expressed gratitude for the division’s decision to “do the right thing” as some of them are still not making a living wage and have found themselves in need of food bank services. 

“This (decision) provides stability for students and for staff and allows us to keep our focus on supporting the teachers during this difficult time,” said Rolfson. 

CUPE made its demand to rescind the layoffs as a response to what CUPE called a “pattern” by Holy Spirit.

“This lay-off notice follows a pattern at Holy Spirit where support staff have seen cuts in hours, workdays, and positions over the last several years, and these cuts have already pushed dedicated staff out of the profession,” reads the statement. 

The Holy Spirit Division refused to comment on the matter, stating, “We are focused on supporting our staff and school communities during this time. We appreciate the opportunity to comment but won’t be making further statements right now.”