FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CUPE Local 1022 may attend rally
22 February 2006, Belleville, Ontario—A rally of Ontario CUPE members to protest the third reading of Bill 206 is planned for tomorrow in Toronto. The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB) has been advised that CUPE Local 1022 is offering members an opportunity to participate in the rally.

The safety and security of students continue to be a top priority for HPEDSB.

Last week HPEDSB joined CUPE Local 1022 in sending a letter to the Premier of Ontario to express concern about the government’s intention of passing Bill 206 in its current form. Through discussion with Local 1022 this morning, HPEDSB has agreed to the release of employees to participate in tomorrow’s rally providing essential services are covered, and student safety and security are not compromised. All HPEDSB schools will remain open.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has 46 elementary and eight secondary schools serving 18,400 students, employing 1,070 teachers and 705 support staff. The Board covers a wide geographical area of 7,221 square kilometres bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south, and Quinte West to the west.

For more information, contact:
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, (613) 966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 2354

• Donna Howes, President, CUPE Local 1022, (613) 966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 2361