Warning message

Please note that this page is from our archives. There may be more up-to-date content about this topic on our website. Use our search engine to find out.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees is opposed to the essential services legislation introduced in the legislature today that effectively denies 25,000 CUPE school workers the right to strike and to free collective bargaining says Colleen Jordan of CUPE BC.

The imposed legislation will not create labour peace in the education system. The Liberals are using a sledge hammer to resolve an issue that needs more thoughtful solution, said Jordan, herself a former employee of the Burnaby school district.

The Liberals are rushing to this legislation without giving us a chance to comment or critique its effects on schools, children and workers, said Jordan. CUPE will do every thing it can to resist this legislation and defend our members against this attack on their rights.

CUPE will be calling its member locals together within the next two weeks to determine what its next steps will be.

Schools are places of learning but they are also workplaces for thousands of people in this province for 25,000 CUPE members who are custodians, trades persons, secretaries, bus drivers and for those who work directly with children like special education assistants and child care workers, said Jordan.

You cannot have good relationships in the education workplace imposed by legislation, said Jordan.

- 30 -

For more information:
Colleen Jordan, 604-291-9119 or 604-970-8117 cell
Marie Della Mattia 604-291-1940 or 604-839-1774 cell