TORONTO Sid Ryan, president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario, will respond to todays comments by Ontario Health Minister George Smitherman following question period at the Ontario Legislature.
Smitherman made clear this morning that he has targeted the jobs of non-medical hospital workers as he pursues cost-cutting in the sector.
My message to Dalton McGuinty is clear, Ryan said. Put a muzzle on your minister or come clean with the women, the visible minority workers, the immigrant workers who provide needed services in our hospitals, and tell them that you are going to take away their collective agreement rights and slash their incomes.
After eight years of Mike Harris and Ernie Eves in power, CUPE members know how to stand up to a bully, he added.
The Liberals should take note, he said. The Tories are out of power, but CUPE is still here. We will stand our ground.
Ryan will be available to meet with reporters outside the legislative chambers following todays question period.
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For more information, please contact:
Sid Ryan, President, CUPE Ontario, 416-209-0066 (cell)
Pat Daley, CUPE Communications, 416-616-6142 (cell)