CUPE locals across Canada are being urged to send faxes of support to president Jean Lapierre and secretary-treasurer Denis Maynard of Local 301 in Montreal following a court decision related to protests against Quebec rollback and wage freeze legislation.
Local 301 represents approximately 4,500 blue collar workers in the greater Montreal area.
The two CUPE leaders were sentenced October 14 to six months each on rioting and conspiracy charges arising from demonstrations held to oppose Bill 102, a Quebec restraint law passed in 1993. The bill allowed municipalities to cut wages by 1% and to freeze salary levels for two years.
The two men are free pending appeal. Restitution has been made for $32,000 in property damage that occurred during the demonstration.
The executive of Local 301 met this week to determine their next move. The sentences are widely seen as excessive.
Messages of solidarity and support can be faxed to Jean Lapierre and Denis Maynard at: (514) 384-0990.
As well, faxes can be sent to the Quebec Minister of Justice, Serge Mnard, at (418) 646-0027.