WELLAND, ON — The chairperson of CUPE Ontario’s school board workers coordinating committee (OSBCC) says he is eager to meet with new education minister Sandra Pupatello with an eye to making progress on issues that have been on the table since the McGuinty government was elected three years ago.
Frank Ventresca, president of CUPE 4156 representing workers at the Niagara District School Board, was elected to his second term as OSBCC chairperson by almost 300 delegates attending last week’s conference in Hamilton. He has served on the committee since 1993.
“With last week’s cabinet shuffle, we were left without the previous minister who had agreed to attend our conference, or any other ministry representative present to discuss our serious issues,” Ventresca said. “I’m eager to meet with the new minister and try to make some progress on these concerns.”
CUPE members, including school secretaries, educational assistants, custodians and maintenance staff, are concerned about the lack of government action on the education funding formula, which has had a serious impact on workload.
Violence in the classroom and other school workplaces continues to be a major issue right across the province. The OSBCC has also attempted to work with the ministry on issues of classroom supervision, benefits and toxic chemicals in the workplace.
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For more information, contact:
Frank Ventresca, Chair, OSBCC, 905-892-1997
Pat Daley, CUPE Communications, 416-299-9739 ext 264
