CUPE is encouraging members to support students in a cross-Canada campaign to restore some of the $7 billion thats been cut from post-secondary education since 1993. The campaign, Access 2000, is organized by the Canadian Federation of Students.
Education activists across the country are gearing up for a cross-country day of strike and action on February 2, 2000 to support their call for increased funding, a national system of grants not loans, national standards similar to those in the Canada Health Act and the reduction and eventual elimination of tuition and other user fees.
Leading up to February 2, CUPE activists at colleges and universities as well as in every other sector will be gathering signatures on petitions, distributing information about education under-funding and organizing community meetings about Access 2000.
With tuition fees more than doubled since 1990 and student debt averaging a staggering $25,000, this is a critical moment for the federal government. CUPE and other supporters of public education will be out in full force alongside the CFS to pressure the Liberals to end the crisis in post-secondary education.
To get involved in Access 2000, contact the CFS through their web site, www.cfs-fcee.ca, or phone 1-800-789-5870.