SWIFT CURRENT — Education support workers from across Saskatchewan rallied in downtown Swift Current on Tuesday, calling on the provincial government to address low wages, safety concerns and what they describe as a lack of respect for their role in public education.
The rally coincided with the CUPE Saskatchewan Education Workers’ Steering Committee (EWSC) annual conference, which brought delegates from CUPE locals across the province to Swift Current.
Demonstrators gathered outside the former office of the Minister of Education, urging the government to increase funding for education support staff working in Saskatchewan schools.
“Education support workers deserve better,” said Shandel McLeod, vice-chair of the CUPE Saskatchewan EWSC, during opening remarks at the rally.
Karla Sastaunik, chair of the CUPE Saskatchewan EWSC, said meaningful respect must go beyond rhetoric.
“Respect means more than words,” Sastaunik said. “It means fair compensation, meaningful hours of work, safer workplaces, and recognition of our vital contribution to public education in this province.”
Sastaunik said the most recent provincial budget failed to deliver new funding for support staff, adding that schools are struggling due to staffing shortages and aging infrastructure.
“The funding is falling so far behind,” she said. “Support staff are being stretched thin. There is no money for wages or for more staff. Schools are falling apart. Kids are hungry. It’s not sustainable for workers or for public education.”
She also called on the Saskatchewan Party government to increase education funding, noting Saskatchewan ranks near the bottom nationally.
“They keep saying this province is rich,” Sastaunik said. “We need to see that money.”
Speakers at the rally included CUPE Saskatchewan president Kent Peterson, who said reduced hours and increased workloads are becoming common for education support workers.
“Education support workers are seeing their scheduled hours cut while their workloads keep growing,” Peterson said. “These cuts aren’t accidental — they’re a choice. You can’t slash hours, ignore safety, and still claim to care about public education. Fair pay, stable hours and safe schools are the bare minimum.”
Peterson said CUPE representatives made repeated attempts to inform Education Minister Everett Hindley’s office about the rally but did not receive a response.
“That dismissive attitude is something education workers are used to by this government,” he said. “But it won’t stop us. More workers are standing up for themselves, for their schools and for their students.”
Peterson also raised concerns about violence in schools, saying CUPE has launched a petition calling on the province to declare workplace violence in education for a provincial emergency and to commit the necessary resources to address the issue.
NDP education critic Matt Love attended both the CUPE conference and the rally, telling workers they have his party’s support.
“Our schools don’t work without you,” Love said. “We value and respect what you do.”
Love said Saskatchewan’s education system is under strain after nearly two decades of Saskatchewan Party government, citing declining literacy rates and reduced per-student funding when adjusted for inflation and enrolment.
“When we account for inflation and enrolment, we’ve seen nearly a 15 per cent drop in education funding, and kids are paying the price,” Love said.
He also said Saskatchewan school boards lack adequate funding to bargain in good faith with education workers and accused successive Ministers of Education of failing to listen to front-line staff.
“We’re going to work together with education workers, school boards and community leaders to build a brighter future, so every child gets a good start in life,” Love said.
Education Minister Everett Hindley was not in Swift Current on Tuesday, but the Ministry of Education provided a written statement to SaskToday.
“We value the role CUPE education workers play in supporting students and contributing to positive learning environments. This year’s budget is protecting students’ futures with a $2.5 billion investment in school operating funding for the 2026-27 school year, an increase of $62.2 million over last year. The Government of Saskatchewan continues to strengthen support for education, increasing school operating funding by approximately 20 per cent over the past three years. This year’s increase includes funding for the continued expansion of the Specialized Support Model. The Model will be expanded to an additional 50 schools, bringing the total to 108 across Saskatchewan to help schools respond to complex student needs. The budget also includes support for learning funding and the Teacher Innovation and Support Fund. With the Government of Saskatchewan’s investment in education, more than 650 educators have been added for the 2025-26 school year. The 2026-27 budget also provides $28.9 million for salary and benefit increases, including funding for support staff such as educational assistants, school bus drivers, maintenance workers, and many other types of staff. The Government of Saskatchewan remains focused on ensuring education funding continues to support strong classroom outcomes and provides students across the province with the resources they need to succeed, now and into the future.”
CUPE represents more than 7,000 education support workers in Saskatchewan.
