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Edmonton Local 474 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees has succeeded in having the City of Edmonton proclaim October 2nd as Custodial Appreciation Day in Edmonton.

We are thrilled that the Mayor has responded to our request and recognized the importance of custodial workers to the health and wellness of our community, said CUPE 474 president Doug Luellman. It is particularly noteworthy that all custodial workers are recognized and we are working to get recognition extended across the province and Canada, he said.

CUPE 474 represents custodial workers at the Edmonton Public School Board. This year marks the second year that the Edmonton Public School Board has recognized October 2nd for the work custodial workers do in our schools. School Board Trustees confirmed their support for the day of appreciation at a Board meeting on September 30th.

With increasing awareness of indoor environmental pollution, SARS, and other health issues directly related to cleaning, it is important to recognize those who work to keep us safe. We all spend a good portion of our lives inside office and public buildings, said Luellman.

On October 2nd, all schools are asked by the Superintendent to take time out to show appreciation to the custodial workers. In some schools there will be cakes, special lunches or dinners and recognition for professional development.

In addition to the day of recognition, the work of school custodial workers is currently being celebrated at the Edmonton Art Gallery. The exhibit, entitled Class Maintenance looks at their contribution to the health, education and well being of students. The images will also be on display at the Churchill Square LRT Station and city buses.

Custodial Workers Recognition Day, the initiative of custodial worker unions, is recognized in many other jurisdictions across North America.

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CUPE is Canadas largest union with over half a million women and men who provide public services. In Alberta, CUPEs 32,000 members work in health care, municipalities, schools, colleges, universities, museums, libraries, emergency medical services, social services and casinos. Visit our CUPE websites for more information www.cupe.ca and cupealberta.ab.ca. For further information:
Doug Luellman, President, CUPE Local 474 (780) 447-5858
Pam Beattie, CUPE Communications (780) 288-1230 (cellular)