“We support students every day” – Now education workers are asking for support in return.
Education workers and their supporters gathered in downtown Saskatoon on March 28, 2026, calling for better wages and improved working conditions.
The rally was organized by CUPE 2268 and CUPE 3730 as contract talks continue with Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. Workers say rising living costs are making it harder to keep up, while their wages have not increased enough.
Support staff, including educational assistants and custodians, say they play a key role in helping both teachers and students. “We care about our schools and our students,” said J.R. Simpson, vice-president of CUPE Saskatchewan, during the event.
Tensions have been building for months. Earlier this year, nearly 90 percent of union members voted in favor of strike action. This gives the unions strong backing as negotiations continue.
Participants marched from the Saskatoon Public School Board office to the Catholic school board offices to raise awareness. They want a fair agreement that reflects the important work they do in schools every day.
Political voices also joined the rally. Matt Love spoke to the crowd, calling on the provincial government to invest more in education workers. He said these workers are essential to student success and deserve proper support.
Workers also shared personal stories about struggling with inflation and rising costs. Many said they are finding it harder to afford basic needs despite working full-time.
For now, talks are still ongoing. However, union leaders say they are ready to take further action if an agreement is not reached.
The rally highlights a growing issue in education systems across Canada,balancing budgets while ensuring workers are fairly paid. For these workers in Saskatoon, the message is clear: better support for them means better support for students.
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