Media Release: St. Margaret’s School teachers and support staff have voted to strike
May 16, 2023 (Victoria) – PEA members who work for St. Margaret’s School have voted 88% in favour of job action and issued 72-hour strike notice. There are currently over 47 teachers and 65 support staff who work at the all-girls private school in Victoria, and all of them are paid significantly less than their counterparts in both BC public schools and comparable independent schools.
“This strike vote result shows that our members are willing to take action to back up their bargaining demands,” said Rhiannon Bray, Labour Relations Officer with the PEA who has been leading talks with the school.
The Professional Employees Association (PEA), the union representing members at St. Margaret’s School, entered bargaining with the school on February 11, 2023 but reached impasse on April 14 when wages, work intensification, and extended health benefits were not meaningfully addressed.
The PEA has begun planning job action, including full withdrawal of services that could impact year end activities and potentially the start of the school year in September, but remains committed to getting back to the table once the school provides a meaningful offer that recognizes the value of its teachers and support staff.
St. Margaret’s PEA members include the faculty who teach Kindergarten through Grade 12, education assistants, early childhood educators, support staff who manage the school grounds, office and administration, kitchen and laundry facilities, and boarding parents.
“We’re asking St. Margaret’s School to invest in all workers so that student learning doesn’t suffer in the years ahead,” said Bray. “This means a fair deal for the whole school.”
Learn more about the work of St. Margaret’s School teachers.
About the PEA
The Professional Employees Association is a labour union for professionals. Formed in 1974 to represent the Government Licensed Professionals employed in the BC public service, the union has grown to represent professionals in the education, legal, union and health care sectors.
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Media Contact:
Jordana Whetter, Senior Communications Officer
jwhetter@pea.org
Phone: 250-385-8791 ext. 210
