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CUPE Local 474 will present evidence from other provinces that points out the danger of partnering with the private sector for new school construction when President Doug Luellman addresses the Board of Trustees this evening at their meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the Centre for Education.

Clearly, we continue to face a battle with the government over public education and CUPE 474 is prepared to work with Edmonton Public Schools in countering the government’s agenda,” says Luellman.

The provincial government sponsored a symposium last month focusing on the use of public-private partnerships for school facilities.

It is evident that the government is sponsoring a push to PPPs, yet the evidence from other provinces shows that they impose greater costs on the taxpayer while at the same time the public loses accountability and control over school use,” says Luellman. “We need to work together to force the government to properly fund public education.”

In addition, Luellman will outline his union’s blueprint for clean, safe and healthy schools. “Everyone knows the importance of the learning environment for educational achievement,” says Luellman. “So, we are calling on Edmonton Public Schools to adopt a staffing formula and increase training opportunities for custodial staff in order to ensure that schools meet the Board’s minimum standards for cleanliness,” he said.

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Local 474 represents over 600 custodial staff in Edmonton Public Schools. CUPE is Canada’s largest union with over half a million women and men who provide public services. In Alberta, CUPE’s 31,000 members work in health care, municipalities, schools, colleges, universities, libraries, emergency medical services, social services and now casinos. Visit our CUPE websites for more information cupe.ca and cupealberta.ca

For further information: Doug Luellman (780) 447- 5858 or cupe474@telusplanet.net