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Media Advisory

TorontoOntario paramedics, who are members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) say they will continue to fight Bill 58, legislation that will effectively take away their right to strike and force them into a rigged arbitration process.

The CUPE paramedics will be joined by CUPE Ontario secretary-treasurer, Brian OKeefe, and Ethan Poskanzer of Sack Goldblatt Mitchell at a Media Conference at Queens Park (Media Studio) on Monday, June 18, 2001, at 9:30 a.m. CUPE will release a legal analysis of the legislation and provide detail on, how, if passed the legislation will set a precedent for collective bargaining in the province.

Bill 58 is not just about emergency service agreements for ambulance workers, it is an attack on the right to free collective bargaining and a fair and impartial arbitration process, says OKeefe.

On Thursday, June 14 more than 40 paramedics staged a peaceful protest at Queens Park against Bill 58. At that time the paramedics asked to meet with both the Premier and the Minister of Labour.

Neither one would engage in meaningful discussion about the legislation that, will adversely impact on the right of these very important workers. The unwillingness of this government to bring workers to the table for debate and consultation is just another clear example of their arrogant and disrespectful attitude toward the workers of this province, says OKeefe.

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For more information please contact:
Brian OKeefe, CUPE Ontario Secretary-Treasurer
(416) 579-7414
Stella Yeadon, CUPE Communications
(416) 578-8774