Education Minister applauds tentative agreement to end NAPE labour dispute

Education Minister Judy Foote applauds NAPE�s decision to accept mediator Vic Young�s report as a basis for resolving the outstanding issues in the union�s current labour dispute with seven school boards. NAPE president, Tom Hanlon, has recommended that union membership vote to accept the report�s recommendations in union meetings being held throughout the province this week. In the meantime, NAPE picket lines have been removed and support workers have returned to work.

"I�m pleased and relieved to see that this strike has ended. I�m sure that everyone involved in this dispute, especially the parents and students, share my relief," said Minister Foote. "These past several weeks have been very difficult and frustrating for everyone, including the support workers and their families."

Minister Foote credits Premier Roger Grimes and his negotiation skills as a key factor in ending this strike.

"I extend a special thank-you to Vic Young for bringing his mediation skills to the table. I also thank Dr. Myrle Vokey, executive director of the school boards association, as well as all the school board staff and trustees for their commitment and hard work these past weeks.

"Officials of the Department of Education will continue to work closely with school boards and teachers to help students affected by the strike, especially those who missed classes. We�ll focus on putting strategies in place to ensure these students meet their learning objectives. I have every confidence that our students will receive the education they deserve,"said Minister Foote.

Media contact: Gay Decker, Communications, (709) 729-0048.

2001 10 29                            3:25 p.m.