EAs in the Seine River School Division have voted overwhelmingly to support a strike action. 

MGEU President Kyle Ross says the union received a strong strike mandate from the Educational Assistants Tuesday night. 

“These hard-working Manitobans who support our children in school are amongst the lowest paid in the province. It’s time for these members to catch up and keep up.” 

This will affect a total of 226 EAs in 16 schools including the following here in the Southeast: 

  • Ecole St. Adolphe School 
  • College Lorette Collegiate 
  • Dawson Trail School 
  • Ecole Ile des Chene School 
  • Ecole Lorette Immersion 
  • Arborgate School 
  • Ecole Ste. Anne Immersion 
  • Richer School 
  • Ste. Anne Adult Learning Centre 
  • Ste. Anne Collegiate 
  • Ste. Anne Elementary School 

Ross says it’s important to note that a strike mandate does not mean that members will be on the picket line immediately. 

“We’re hopeful that this strike mandate shows the strength of our resolve and provides the impetus for an improved offer. Although we will be meeting with the employer shortly, we are starting the process for job action in the event that a new offer remains insufficient.” 

According to MGEU, the committee has been at the bargaining table with the division since January. After several bargaining sessions, the division provided an offer which the union believes is totally insufficient. A counter offer was then presented several weeks ago, however, since then there have been more delays.