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Winnipeg It was unanimous. Yesterday all of the 52 members of CUPE Local 796 voted to strike because the River East School Division wants to take away their job security.

These people are not trying to get something, CUPE staff rep Rik Panciera said. Theyre fighting to keep something they already have, that they fought to get into the contract before.

The River East School Division wants to pull a no contracting out clause from the collective agreement and replace it with a letter of understanding. Panciera said the employees who work as bus drivers, mechanics and as storeskeeper arent buying the School Divisions explanation for the change.

These people know that this is a very serious issue. Their jobs are on the line. Thats why everyone was at the meeting and the vote was 100 percent for a strike, he said.

Contract negotiations started in February. Another conciliation meeting is scheduled.

For more information, please contact:
Rik Panciera, staff rep
Canadian Union of Public Employees
Phone: (204) 942-0343 ex. 206

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