The Editor,
I am a mother of three and an educational assistant in Lampman. I realize that our strike in the Southeast Cornerstone Public School Division has created difficulties for some families, and I want to share some of our experiences and explain why we are on the picket line.
On the first day, I was painfully reminded how much we’d be missed. I work with a little boy with autism, and he asked if I’d be back the next day. I said, “I don't know.”
He said, “Say maybe.” I said, “Hopefully.”
As I walked out of school he was saying “hopefully maybe.” I know everyone has stories, but this is what the school board isn't seeing. This is the REAL impact of their actions.
In the last six years I’ve noticed a difference in how educational support staff are treated: like costs and numbers, instead of like caring people who perform vital services kids need to succeed.
We’re hearing that kids are being asked to clean schools. It appears they have hired university students to do custodial work. The strikers are thinking of the future of our community.
What is truly overwhelming is the community support we’ve received! Parents and kids are walking with us and drawing posters. Restaurants have sent lunches, and people are dropping off goodies. One of the best parts is getting to talk to people. A mom recently asked what’s going on. Once we explained, she said, “It’s not a great thing, but it’s teaching my kids to stand up for what they think is important. That’s what I’m telling my kids because they care for you very much. What can I do to help?”
We then tell them to call the board. We’ve found that as people learn more about the role we play, we gather even more support.
The pay increase we’re looking for works out to roughly 50 cents an hour. It’s a small amount, especially when compared to how much pay and expense increases board members experience. But it can make a huge difference for us. We shouldn’t have to come into work worried about how we will pay our household costs.
I want to thank my community for supporting us and for demanding answers from the board – we are stronger together!
Tammy Siebert,
Lampman
