MCCREARY, MB - This morning, about 70 support workers in the Turtle River School Division picketed in front of the Division office, at the start of strike action.
“We’re on strike to pressure the Board to return to the negotiation table. We need to keep talking,” said CUPE National Representative Doug McLaughlin. “But we are tired of half measures. We want a serious effort to reach a fair agreement.”
“The support from the members and community was overwhelming this morning,” said President Diane Cabak. “It is very much appreciated.”
This afternoon, the strikers will go to their respective schools to create community awareness.
The 100 workers who provide support services for the Division (teaching assistants, secretaries, custodians, librarians, mechanics and bus drivers) will be on strike as long as it takes to get the Board to respond to the Union’s last position.
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The Canadian Union of Public Employees is Canada’s largest union representing more than a half-million women and men. In Manitoba, CUPE represents 24,000 members working in health care facilities, school divisions, municipal services, social services, child care centres, public utilities, libraries and family emergency services. About 4,000 of these members work in 25 of Manitoba’s school divisions.
For information, contact:
Doug McLaughlin,
CUPE National Rep. - (204) 725-8888
Dennis Lewycky,
CUPE Communications Rep. - (204) 223-6805
