FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta— The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) representing support staff at both the Public and Catholic school divisions are inviting their respective employers back to the bargaining table.  CUPE Locals 2559 representing support workers at the Catholic Division and 2545, representing workers at the Public Division, each sent letters outlining grievances with the negotiation process and inviting the divisions to resume talks if they can offer an improved collective agreement.

“The bargaining committee is inviting you to come back to the table,” reads both letters. “You have an opportunity to avoid strike action. You can come back to the table with a fair offer that we can present to members.”

Megan McKenny, spokesperson for the Catholic school division, confirmed they are prepared to meet with CUPE Local 2559 next week at the union’s convenience, adding that no strike notice has been received yet. Harvard Media News also reached out to the Public Division after business hours and will update this story when more information becomes available.