Thunder Bay Sid Ryan, president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario, will join workers from North of Superior Programs on their picket lines in Thunder Bay and Geraldton on Wednesday, September 29.
The 36 workers, members of CUPE 3253, who have been on the line for three months, offer mental health addiction counselling and integrated services for children in communities all along the north shore of Lake Superior, from Nipigon to Manitouwadge, including Geraldton, Longlac and Nakina.
Im bringing a message of solidarity from CUPEs 200,000 members in Ontario and I will be taking back a strong message to Queens Park that the province must get involved in finding a resolution to this dispute, Ryan said. It is unconscionable that the management of this agency is allowed to carry on with an obstinate position that is so destructive to workers and the people they serve.
Local MPP Michael Gravelle has been steadfast in his support for and responsiveness to the workers at NOSP, Ryan said. Now, he added, its time to put pressure on the whole Liberal caucus to restore mental health services for youth on Lake Superiors north shore.
Ryan said he will be raising the issue in a meeting with Labour Minister Chris Bentley next Monday, October 4.
- Who:
CUPE Ontario President Sid Ryan - What:
Walking the line with members of CUPE 3253, North of Superior Programs -
When & Where:
11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 29 at the James Street Government Buildings in Thunder Bay, then travelling to Geraldton to join the picket line on Main Street in early afternoon
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Sid Ryan, President, CUPE Ontario, 416-209-0066 (cell)
Diane Atkinson, CUPE 3253 spokesperson, 807-229-7933 (cell)
Pat Daley, CUPE Communications, 416-616-6142 (cell)