Thames Valley District School Board support staff ratify provincial agreement

LONDON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 13, 2013) - Education support staff at the Thames Valley District School Board, members of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 4222, have voted to ratify a two-year provincial agreement that will protect services and students while ensuring stability in schools.

The agreement addresses a number of issues of importance to CUPE members, including protecting services through better job security, better sick leave support, and protection of pension contributions.

"Our members understood what our bargaining committee faced at the provincial bargaining table in the shadow of Bill 115," says Sharon Mannering, president of CUPE Local 4222 representing custodial, maintenance and technical staff as well as secretarial staff and child minders at the Board. "Their support helped greatly throughout this entire process, and we thank them for that support."

Mannering thanked the provincial bargaining committee for their hard work, especially during the final week of negotiations which took place over the holiday season.

She concluded by adding "The fight is not over. Our local has concluded this round of bargaining for our members but our concerns around Bill 115's infringement on our democratic rights remain. Bill 115 created a crisis in our schools and we will continue to campaign until all provincial leaders commit that they will not attack our basic collective bargaining rights in the future."

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
CUPE Communications
Marjorie Savoie
613-864-9924