|
Messages of Support
March 18, 2002
PSAC backs our struggle
I am confident that our PSAC membership will support our OPSEU Sisters and Brothers in their current struggle against the Harris government.
– Gerry Halabecki, Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario for the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC)
‘We’ve seen the damage’
The MPPs of the NDP Caucus and I wholeheartedly back your actions and your end goal.
I stand with you ready to assist in any way I can to bolster the spirits of your members and sustain their resolve to win a just and negotiated settlement.
From our vantage point across the legislative floor from the Conservatives, and seeing firsthand the damage their policies have created, we share your view that respect and fairness for workers is woefully lacking.
– Howard Hampton, Leader, Ontario New Democratic Party.
Courage and determination
Congratulations on your courage and determination in standing together against the Harris government.
Nova Scotia’s 5,300 civil service members have been without a contract for two years. Without the right to strike, we have faced a Tory government that is willing to use every delay tactic possible to have our contract settled by arbitration. At times, it feels like we are powerless
without the right to strike.
– Joan Jessome, president, Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union
Go! OPSEU Go!
As a former OPSEU member (Local 599 then 520) who took a very active part in the last strike – I resigned and moved to Germany so I’m no longer employed in the OPS, but I’m kept informed by email – I just wanted to tell you that I think you have done a far better job of presenting
your points and getting the key info out this time around! It’s amazing. GO OPSEU, GO!
Congratulations, and good luck with the strike.
– David Howe
Previous Messages
More power to you
“Congratulations to all of you. You took the right stand. We’re all in the same boat. It’s a real struggle for all of us in public services. More power to you!” – David Adair, a CUPE member in Peel
Electrifying
“Having Leah visit us bordered on electrifying. It was great. Wonderful camaraderie and nobody is crossing.” – Paul FitzGerald at the Science Centre (Local 549)
PEI solidarity
“Please convey to your members the solidarity of our Union and what ever is required for you and your members to be successful.” – Sandy MacKay, President, Prince Edward Island Union of Public Sector Employees
Teachers’ support
“We support your call for a reinvestment in public services and the committed women and men across the province who provide them... It is time for this government to put the needs of this province ahead of ideology, ahead of tax cuts and ahead of the blind angst of privatization.” –
Earl Manners, President, Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation
No other choice
“After years of concessions and cutbacks, privatization and government mismanagement, you have no other choice and we support you in this action. We hope that through this action, for the sake of all Ontarians, you achieve your goals.” – Kathy McVean, President, Ontario English
Catholic Teachers Association
You have support
It is important that you know you have the support of many union members and, of course, most of the general public. You are fighting for all of us! We plan on returning regularly to the picket lines to show our support. Good luck in your fight...we are all behind you. – Ron Wener,
USWA Local 1998 (University of Toronto Administrative Staff)
Just be there
To spouses, family and friends:
Support the strikers. They are your family. Help wherever you can. Make sandwiches, soup, chili or just be there. Walk the picket line. Be in their shoes on the front lines. These are trying times. Be kind and supportive.
We will win.
Ruth Summerhill, Wife of Correctional Officer, London
|
