FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 19, 2001

Public lab workers rally for public safety

TORONTO - Workers at the central laboratories of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environment will rally today in support of strong public health labs.

Date: TODAY, Friday, October 19, 2001
Time: 12:00 NOON
Place: Ministry of Health laboratory, 81 Resources Road, Etobicoke
              (south of Highway 401 at Islington Ave.)

“Now more than ever, Ontarians need a world class public health lab system,” said Leah Casselman, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. “They deserve an integrated system - one that brings together scientists, technologists, laboratory attendants, and other important workers who can co-operate to protect what matters most: human life.”

Guest speakers at the rally will include Casselman, NDP environment critic Marilyn Churley, and Liberal labour critic Dominic Agostino. Three of the five recently-laid-off Ministry of Health scientists will also attend.

- 30 -

For more information:

Randy Robinson (416) 788-9134
Jan Borowy (416) 427-0083