CORNWALL – A strike by 285 custodial and clerical support staff at the Conseil de district catholique de l’Est Ontarien (French catholic board of eastern Ontario), is set to begin October 19th if a deal cannot be reached between Local 4155 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and their employer.
“We did everything we could at the bargaining table to reach an agreement, but 85% of our members voted against the employer’s last offer,” says Bob Manny, CUPE National Representative. “We’re fighting for fair wages after having gone since 1989 without a real increase.”
The custodians, secretaries and other education support staff cover a wide area from Hawkesbury in the East, to Embrun and Russell in the West. The education environment of students in 51 catholic schools would be affected by the strike.
“We urge residents of Eastern Ontario to contact their school board trustee and tell them to do what it takes to avoid a strike,” adds Manny. “Our members care deeply about the work they do, and the last thing we want is a strike.”
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For further information, please contact:
Bob Manny, CUPE National Rep. Cornwall Area Office
613-933-5515 (office) - 613-330-0443 (cell.)
Robert Lamoureux, CUPE Communications
416-292-3999