FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11 , 2003

Public school board and CUPE ratify two-year agreement
The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1022 are pleased to announce that both parties have ratified a two-year agreement covering the period September 1, 2002 to August 31, 2004.

The new contract affects approximately 600 clerical, custodial, and educational assistant staff. The agreement, as ratified, provides for a 3% pay rate increase in each of the two years, plus job security language.

"We are pleased this agreement has been ratified as CUPE members perform a variety of important roles that ensure our students are safe and secure," remarks Judy Edgar, Chair of the Board.

Jim Burshaw, President, CUPE Local 1022 concurs. “The members are pleased to see that the province has recognized the important role that support staff play in the education system, and that they have given Boards the money they need to provide for a fair settlement,” he says.

Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has 54 schools, over 18,900 students, and covers a wide geographical area from Quinte West to the west, Maynooth to the north, Prince Edward County to the south, and Deseronto to the east.

For information contact :
• Judy Edgar, Chair of the Board, 921-3203 or (613) 332-1480
• Chris Salt, Superintendent of Operations and Human Resources, (613) 966-1170 x2281