FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 25, 2001

Hampton to speak as Lab Technologists rally for respect

TORONTO - NDP leader Howard Hampton will join technologists at Ontario’s central public health lab in a “rally for respect” to protest their low wages and to demand an apology from Health Minister Tony Clement after remarks he made last week.

Date: Friday, Oct. 26, 2001
Time: 12:00 noon
Place: Ontario Ministry of Health public health laboratory, 81 Resources Road, Etobicoke (South of Highway 401 at Islington Ave.)

“Our members are on the front lines testing the suspicious packages being sent in from across the province,” said Emily Bartlett, president of Local 545 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. “We want to serve the public. The Minister’s total disdain for our skills and qualifications jeopardizes the critical services we provide.”

Technologists at the lab are certified members of the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario. As public service employees, they are paid 17 to 20 per cent less than their counterparts in community hospitals.

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For information: Randy Robinson (416) 448-7441; (416) 788-9134