NORTH BAY A strike by custodial/maintenance, office and technical employees of the Near North District School Board is set for Tuesday, March 20th after over 90% of CUPE Local 1165 rejected the Boards final offer in a vote Saturday, March 17, 2001.
This Board tried to harmonize wages over a longer period of time, cap benefits and keep our members well behind the rate of inflation, say Pamela Avis Pollock, President of CUPE Local 1165. Many of our members have not seen a raise in ten years, and harmonization to lower wage rates would mean most wouldnt see any raise for another ten years - enough is enough.
Outstanding issues include wages, benefits, and vacation from the previous Boards of Nipissing, East Parry Sound and West Parry Sound.
We care deeply about the services we provide, adds Avis Pollock. Thats why we have no choice but to fight for a quality educational environment and respect in the workplace - our children deserve nothing less.
Educational workers wages have been eroded over several years as inflation has outpaced wage increases. The Boards last offer would have been a major step backwards for the majority of workers.
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For further information, please contact:
Pamela Avis Pollock, President, CUPE Local 1165
(705) 746-4816
Walter Kornacki, CUPE National Representative
(705) 474- 9765
