Education assistants and non-teaching staff in Richmond schools, and those around B.C., are ready for a strike after voting in support of job action recently.
Members of CUPE 716, who have not had a pay increase since 2009, voted 85 per cent in favour of a strike, said June Kaiser, president of CUPE 716.
Kaiser said one of the only changes her members have been able to get over the past few years was an additional hour of work per day for the education assistants to help with class preparation time and discussion with teachers.
Wages for the unionized workers in Richmond there are about 1,000 employed ranges from $19 an hour for custodial staff to $24.43 for education assistants. And that has some staff seeking second jobs to make ends meet.
Kasier said her members are seeking an agreement that would provide a raise in line with what other public sector employees have received about two to four per cent.
And given the fact we have not had any increases since 2009, wed be looking on the higher end of that scale, she said.
The workers agreement expired in June 2012.
Currently, no talks with the employer BC Public School Employers Association have been scheduled.
