Saanich school workers strike stretches into week 2

More than 7,000 students in Saanich on Vancouver Island will be off school again on Monday as a strike involving school support workers enters its second week.

Educational assistants, custodians, bus drivers and other support staff represented by CUPE Local 441 started picketing at Saanich School District schools last Monday.

Teachers refused to cross the pickets and so classes have been out ever since.

The main issue is wage parity. Support staff are paid less in the Saanich School District than they are in neighbouring districts such as Greater Victoria and Sooke.

Parents like Ashley Martin say so far they are supportive of the striking workers and want themto get the compensation they are seeking.

"We were all talking as parents about ways we can help," she said from her home on Sunday. "Our intention is to support CUPE in getting a fair wage and getting our children, teachers and support staff back in school."

Grade 7 studentCayden Moeller says he is worried about what will happen to his school year if he is out of class for much longer.

"It feels like we are going to be bombarded with work when we get back, and it's going to be stressful," he said.

• Bargaining resumes in Saanich school strike that has cancelled classes for over 7,000 students

The school district says it resumed negotiations with the union on Friday and that they carried into the weekend.

The two sides have yet to reach an agreement.

Elsie McMurphythe vice-chair of the board of education said she is aware of the impact the job action is having on families, students and staff. She saidthat negotiators are working diligently to get school back open as quickly as possible.

The district says it will immediately post developments on its website.