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Striking education workers in the Biggar Public School Division soundly rejected managements final offer by voting 80 per cent against the package in a vote held April 18.

This vote sends a really strong message to the division board that the members are not going to settle for all the takeaways and the attacks on seniority rights, says Marion Kimber, president of CUPE Local 2128, which represents the 46 teaching and library assistants, secretaries and caretakers.

The union did not oppose the boards use of a little-known provision of the Trade Union Act, which enables the employer to force a vote on their final offer. Kimber says the vote proves the members have been informed all along, contrary to the claims of management.

The support workers, who have been on strike since February 4, have invited management to resume negotiations.

We all want to get back to work, but were not going to do it with takeaways, says Kimber.

CUPE members across the country are encouraged to send donations and letters of support to: CUPE Local 2128, CUPE 2128 c/o Box 187, Biggar, SK S0K 0M0; e-mail cupe2128@sasktel.net. Or phone the locals strike headquarters at 306-948-3860.