CUPE says in light of ongoing violent incidents in Saskatchewan schools, including the attack on a girl at Evan Hardy Collegiate in Saskatoon, the union is calling on the Government of Saskatchewan to address safety issues in schools.

They say a recent survey of CUPE education support workers found that 70 per cent of workers had experienced violence in their school in the previous three years.

In a news release Karla Sastaunik, Chair of CUPE Saskatchewan’s Education Workers’ Steering Committee says the attack at Evan Hardy Collegiate directly impacted CUPE education support workers and she says it should be an eye-opener for the government.

CUPE 8443 President Dene Nicholson says, “My heart goes out to everyone who was impacted by the tragic incident at Evan Hardy Collegiate. My thoughts are with the victim and her family and those who experienced harm on the job.”

A 15-year-old girl was set on fire September 5th. She is in an Edmonton hospital. A teacher was also injured while trying to put out the fire. A 14-year-old girl accused of setting the fire is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and arson.

CUPE will be holding a Rally for Safe Schools on September 25 at 4:00 p.m., at Saskatoon City Hall.

CUPE represents over 7,000 workers in the K-12 education.