Education workers on strike out of necessity

By Lethbridge Herald on March 19, 2025.

Editor,
I am writing to you today as a deeply concerned and dedicated Educational Assistant within the Alberta education system, to express my unwavering support for the current CUPE Education Workers strike.
This decision to strike was not taken lightly, and it stems from a fundamental issue: the unsustainable and unacceptable stagnation of wages for frontline educational staff like myself, while other sectors within the educational system enjoy significantly higher compensation.
I want to be clear: I love my job. I am passionate about working with children and contributing to their growth and development.
Every day, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the positive impact we, as Educational Assistants, have on these young lives. We provide essential support to students with diverse learning needs, assist teachers in creating inclusive and engaging classroom environments, and contribute significantly to the overall success of the educational system.
However, my passion and dedication are increasingly strained by the simple, undeniable fact that I, along with many of my colleagues, am not paid a livable wage.
Despite our crucial role in supporting Alberta’s children and the education system as a whole, we have not received a meaningful raise in over a decade.
This prolonged wage freeze has had a devastating impact on our financial stability and our ability to provide for our families. The stark disparity between the compensation of frontline educational workers and those in administrative roles within the division office is particularly disheartening.
While I understand the value of administrative support, it is difficult to reconcile the substantial difference in compensation between those working directly with students in the classroom and those primarily engaged in administrative tasks.
It feels as though the individuals directly impacting the lives of Alberta’s children are the least valued.
It is simply not fair that those of us who are on the front lines, nurturing and guiding these young minds, are forced to struggle financially, often working multiple jobs just to make ends meet.
We are expected to be dedicated, compassionate, and effective in our roles, yet we are not compensated in a way that reflects the value we bring to the education system and to the lives of the children we serve.
The current situation creates unnecessary stress and hardship, and ultimately hinders our ability to focus on the vital work we do.
We are not asking for exorbitant salaries. We are asking for a fair wage that reflects the importance of our work and allows us to provide for our families with dignity. We deserve the opportunity to not only pursue our passion for education but also to build stable and secure lives for ourselves and our loved ones.
The ability to raise a family without constant financial stress should not be a luxury, but a basic right for those dedicating their careers to shaping the future generation.
The current strike is a direct result of the government’s failure to address this critical issue. It is a plea for recognition, respect, and fair compensation. It is a call for Alberta to prioritize the needs of its frontline educational workers and invest in the future of its children.
I urge you to consider the vital role we play in the education system and to advocate for a fair and equitable resolution to this strike.
We need a commitment from the government to prioritize wage increases for frontline educational workers, ensuring that we are compensated fairly for our dedication, skills, and the invaluable contribution we make to the lives of Alberta’s children.
It’s time for Alberta to do better. It’s time to recognize the value of its Educational Assistants and provide us with the financial security we deserve.
It is an investment in the future of our children, our communities, and our province. I believe a fair resolution can be reached, and I implore you to use your influence to make it happen.
Terra Creasy -Educational Assistant
Member of CUPE local 5040
High River