CUPE Local 5040 is still on strike, with members holding a picket party at the Okotoks Recreation Centre on Monday (March 10) as the strike enters its third week.
According to CUPE Local president, Carla Penhalagan, while they have been on strike since February 24 to help support workers earn a more sustainable living, they would rather be back at work.
"But, unfortunately, the provincial government has decided that we aren't worth anything, so we're stuck here until they finally see reason and decide to give us a raise after ten years," Penhalagan explained at the picket line.
They are on strike, says Penhalagan, because they are trying to get a wage that will allow these support workers to not have to get multiple jobs in order to make ends meet.
"And some support for the kids that desperately need it, because all kids need support and it's unfortunate that with this underfunding that they are not receiving it."
Local 5040 is one of many locals currently taking job action in Alberta.
According to CUPE Alberta, over 6,600 education workers are currently on strike across the province.
For Penhalagan, seeing so many people stand together is empowering.
"Just shoulder to shoulder, that show of solidarity, has been really awe inspiring," Penhalagan says. "And I think it strengthens all of our spirits to see it happening."
At the picket line at the Okotoks Rec Centre, there was music playing and people were coming together to dance and try to make the best of the day.
"We've had so much response from the community. People stop by all the time, just to tell us how much they value the work we do or to drop off coffee or doughnuts or sometimes they bring us lunch. It's amazing."
Penhalagan says that while it has been positive to be out and connect with people and get to know them better, the bargaining side of the negotiations hasn't been too positive.
"Alberta is the lowest, per capita, funded for education in the country, and it's very sad that that's where we're at right now."
She is grateful for all those who have come out to support their cause.