ITUNA, SK - Striking group home workers in Ituna marked the first day of winter and their 202nd day on the line with the official opening of their bus shelter.
The converted school bus, dubbed the Fairness Facility: CUPE De Ville, is parked across the street from the group home where CUPE 4552 members have been on strike since June 3. The 27 group home workers nearly all women are striking for meaningful seniority language and a first contract.
About 50 supporters from Regina, Weyburn, Yorkton, Kamsack, Melville, Esterhazy, and Saskatoon braved bitterly cold temperatures unusual you might say for Saskatchewan in December to be on hand for the ribbon cutting and rally.
CUPE Saskatchewan President Tom Graham, Saskatchewan Federation of Labour President Larry Hubich and Yorkton Labour Council Chairperson Maryann Federko were among the labour leaders who brought messages of solidarity as well as hams, turkeys, chocolates, Christmas oranges and baked goodies for the strikers.
SFL President Hubich presented the strikers with a Christmas cheque for nearly $5,000. The SFL collected the money from union staff members across the province.
Messages of support can be sent to: CUPE 4552 President Cyndi Salynuik