Important Update Regarding CUPE Local 3484 Labour Action - February 14
February 14, 2025
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Black Gold School Division (BGSD) is reaching out to parents and families regarding potential labour disruption and its impact on our learning environments. We are striving to resolve this labour dispute at the bargaining table, and have February 25, 2025, as our next scheduled bargaining meeting with CUPE Local 3484. We have not yet received any notice of job action, which requires 72 hours’ notice, including weekends.
Our Division is developing contingency plans to ensure as minimal disruption to the classroom as possible. Schools have contingency plans in place, but individual schools will be affected differently based on school size, student composition, and individual student needs. With over 500 employees who may engage in job action, the impact will be significant, and we ask for your patience and understanding.
BGSD staff will be reaching out to families of students/children who may be affected by labour action, in order to provide families with time to make arrangements to support their children. At this time, we are not certain what job action the Union will undertake, but we recognize that a short turnaround time will not give parents much opportunity to respond to potential changes in programming; this may include at-home learning on a part-time or full-time basis, and/or change in classroom assignments.
In the next week, BGSD will contact parents if their children’s time at school (part-time or at-home) is affected, so they can begin to think about alternatives for their child in the event of a strike. If BGSD receives notice of strike, parents will be contacted immediately (prior to the next school day).
We appreciate your patience, understanding, and support as we navigate this challenging situation. We encourage you to stay informed by monitoring the BGSD website, https://www.blackgold.ca. More information will be shared with you as it becomes available. We are dedicated and committed to maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
Sincerely,
Michael Borgfjord, Superintendent
Black Gold School Division