A grade two classroom is shown in this Monday, September 14, 2020 file photo. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette)
Education assistants with the River East Transcona School Division have voted to join the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
About 600 workers are set to become CUPE members, pending final certification from the Manitoba Labour Board. The move brings the number of CUPE-represented education workers in Manitoba to roughly 7,000, according to the union.
The education assistants were previously represented by an independent association. CUPE Manitoba president Gina McKay said the union will work with the new members to pursue improvements in wages, working conditions, health and safety, and benefits.
CUPE is Canada’s largest union, representing more than 800,000 members nationwide, including approximately 40,000 in Manitoba across sectors such as health care, education, municipal services and social services.
