FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 15, 2002

OPSEU backs health care workers in Saskatchewan

Leah Casselman, President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) today announced an interest-free loan of $100,000 to help striking health care professionals in the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan.

The OPSEU Executive Board voted last week to support the Saskatchewan workers and to help ensure they can fight for as long as it takes to get a fair settlement.

"OPSEU represents many hospital and health care workers in similar professions, and we felt very strongly about sending this support to our brothers and sisters in Saskatchewan,” Casselman said.

“Recruitment and retention of health science professionals is a national issue. Ontario is also facing incredible staff shortages in these same professions, so our members understand what this strike is all about.”

“Many of our hospital professionals are in negotiations right now and, although in Ontario they do not have the right to strike, our members are prepared to take whatever measures possible to achieve a fair and equitable contract,” she said.

“Our members face the same challenges - we’re completely supportive of the goals of HSAS,” Casselman said.

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For further information:

David Cox 416-443-8888 x 314 F