Striking education workers were picketing in Barry’s Bay Friday, hoping they’ll see public support in what they say has been a tough few days.
About a dozen were walking along the Opeongo Line at Zurakowski Park early in the day and hearing honks of support from a few cars. There was no public picket in Bancroft Friday, with the nearest site for North Hastings workers in Madoc.
Sandy Recoskie, a leader for CUPE Local 1247, says it was “disheartening” to learn yesterday that the Ontario government had passed legislation to make the strike illegal.
She says she and other strikers don’t know what repercussions they may face, but are determined to participate in the work stoppage nonetheless.
She adds that if the government doesn’t recognize the importance of raising wages for the striking workers, which includes teachers’ assistants, custodians and secretaries, it will be tough of the education sector to recruit and retain employees.
She says CUPE plans to continue the strike for as long as it takes.
