Edmonton Parents Navigate School Support Strike Impacting Their Child

Edmonton: The ongoing strike by school support workers is really affecting students with special needs. Kids like Vienna Lewin, who has Down syndrome and autism, can’t attend class right now.

Vienna is in grade twelve at Eastglen High School and loves her classes, especially Cree and Indigenous studies. Her parents, Joel and Jennifer, say she enjoys dancing and being part of Girl Guides.

Joel describes Vienna as a rewarding kid who loves to travel and try new things. But since the strike started, she’s been missing out on school. Before this, she had support staff with her all day.

Now, Joel is working from home more to help out, while Jennifer, who has a disability, can’t work. They’re both juggling their full-time jobs and caring for Vienna, which is tough but they’re managing for now.

“It’s stressful trying to figure out how to handle this for what could be weeks,” Joel said. Thousands of support staff in Edmonton walked off the job, asking for better pay. The average salary is only $34,500 a year.

The union representing these workers hasn’t given any updates on negotiations and doesn’t expect any soon. They’re frustrated that the provincial government isn’t recognizing the low funding for schools in Canada.

Lou Arab from the union pointed out that educational support workers haven’t seen a meaningful wage increase in ten years, despite inflation. This has led to a shortage of staff, making the situation even tougher.

Inclusion Alberta is urging the province to assign any available teachers to schools so that all students can attend classes. The Lewins understand the challenges support staff face, as they navigate Vienna’s non-verbal cues, which takes skill and training.

Without the necessary help, Vienna’s final year of school is taking a hit. Joel wants her to be part of school activities and the community, but missing out means she could lose those important memories and experiences.