COVID-19 Message #9

To Support Staff,

CUPE Local 3550 is in ongoing communication with the administration of Edmonton Public Schools regarding the current situation.

Previous information provided to support staff was based on the announcement from the Provincial Government that education funding would be maintained for the duration of the school year. Saturday, March 28, 2020 the Provincial Government announced a reduction of funding to School Boards for May and June 2020. Edmonton Public Schools Administration is figuring out how to meet this mandate.

To date:

Hourly supply staff and lunchroom supervisors have been temporarily laid off and Records of Employment have been issued.

Temporary bi-weekly staff will be temporary laid off effective either April 30, 2020 or date provided in their letter if earlier. Records of Employment will be issued. Please be advised that regular benefits coverage for TEMPORARY BI-WEEKLY STAFF will end at midnight on the last day of this temporary assignment. If you had previously signed up for the Supplemental Package, you may reinstate your benefits plan by completing a Change Application form and forwarding it to ASEBP immediately upon termination of this assignment. If you wish continued coverage and do not contact ASEBP, late applicant conditions may apply. For further information, you are advised to refer to the “Benefits” tab on the Supply Support Staff Website.
HR Staffing is working with principals to determine how this will affect permanent support staff. Human Resources staff will be managing temporary lay-offs upon review of the April 2020 Support Staff Seniority list and conversations with principals and DU Administrators. Per Clause 4.e(i) of CUPE Local 3550 Support Staff Collective Agreement, affected staff will receive written notice twenty (20) working days prior to temporary layoff. Records of Employment will be issued.

Support staff who normally are laid off at end of June and apply for Employment Insurance have some experience with accessing EI under NORMAL circumstances. These are NOT normal circumstances and it is my understanding that some of the processes and programs have been adjusted. We do NOT advise members on any of the government programs.

You can go directly to Edmonton Public Schools CONNECT or the Government of Canada websites for complete and up-to-date information.

SEE links to information below.

Stay healthy and safe.

COVID 19 Information on CONNECT – must be signed in to CONNECT to access

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: LINK

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB): LINK

Support for people facing unemployment