A strike at Edmonton Catholic schools is into its second week after support workers rejected the board's latest contract offer Monday night.

The union representing about 900 striking workers is seeking a 1.5 per cent pay raise in the second year of the contract.

Instead the board offered a one-time payout, which was rejected by the union, said board chair Debbie Engel.

"We were so hopeful because it was very close to what they were asking for," she said. "We were so hopeful that this would be the end."

Some progress was made, said union spokesman Danny Burrell.

"We have made progress on our job protection language," he said. "We are down to talking about compensation for the second year."

With the strike in its second week, union members may begin picketing at schools, Burrell said.

There are no meetings planned for the two sides, but Engel insists quality of education won't suffer.

"I want to guarantee all parents that the Edmonton Catholic School Board district will do everything in their power to ensure that all children continue to receive the same quality of education they have in the past," she said.