PETERBOROUGH, ON – Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board workers, who are members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), voted 90 per cent in favour of a strike, if a fair contract cannot be reached with school board management.
“This solid strike mandate shows that our members are united and prepared to take strike action if management doesn’t offer us a fair deal,” said Donna Carlaw, president of CUPE 5555. “Our members work hard to keep our schools running and it is time management recognized our contribution by showing us the respect we deserve.”
The over 1200 workers include office, clerical, technical, custodial, maintenance, educational assistants, counselling, naturalists, child and youth workers and speech pathology professionals in schools across Northumberland and Peterborough Counties, including Peterborough, Bowmanville, Port Hope, Cobourg, Campellford, Brighton, Clarington and Quinte West. Their last contract expired on August 31, 2005.
“We are committed to achieving a fair contract on behalf of our members and for the benefit of students who rely on our services,” said Carlaw. “Management must come to the table prepared to address our members’ issues.” Wages, benefits and job security are the key outstanding issues. The two sides will meet in conciliation talks scheduled for January 17th.
For further information, please contact:
Donna Carlaw
Local 5555 president
(705) 742-5356
Derek Blackadder
CUPE national representative
(705) 930-3724
James Chai
CUPE communications
(416) 292-3999