To the Editor:
It is with great satisfaction and privilege to relay that the strike between the School District of Mystery Lake (SDML) and the support staff members of Local 8223-00 and 8223-13 has come to an end and that we have a fair contract. I have witnessed strikes in the past, but I have never witnessed a strike that garnered so much support. This community and the people within it are unbelievably unique, strong and compassionate. It’s quite clear that the overwhelming visible support favoured the support staff at the school district over the employer. Regardless of which side of the coin you sided with, there is no doubt that everyone effected by this labour dispute carried immense passion and conviction. It’s quite clear that points in time such as these carry a lot of weight, fear and frustrations, but they also shape our tomorrow. It’s concrete actions and solidarity like this that build the social and economic fabric of our society. This success is not isolated to just the SDML support staff, and it’s not limited to the community of Thompson. No, this success has rippling effects across the province and across many job sectors. This is another chip out of the unconstitutional suppression of workers’ rights that is taking place, this strike and success has implications to benefit many others who are at the bargaining tables with their employers trying to move them from to point of dictatorial mandates to fair and just settlements.
Where do we go from here? The first step is recognizing and understanding the bigger picture of what has taken place as stated above. Then we must recognize and accept everyone’s role in this, along with the pressures placed on individuals and groups. This isn’t necessarily about pointing fingers, it’s about consequence of actions and hopefully learning and growing. With that, the United Steelworkers’ focus going forward in light of recent events will be to establish a productive working relationship and partnership with the school district for the benefit of all, especially the children who attend these schools.
The support staff at the school district cannot thank you all enough for the support that has been shown. This is a success story for everyone.
One day longer, one day stronger.
Matt Winterton
United Steelworkers District 3 Staff Representative
