WINDSOR, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 13, 2013) - Education support staff at the Greater Essex County District School Board, members of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 27, have voted to ratify a two-year provincial agreement that will protect services and students while ensuring stability in schools.

The agreement addresses a number of issues of importance to CUPE members, including protecting services through better job security, better sick leave support, and protection of pension contributions.

"Our members understood what our bargaining committee faced at the provincial bargaining table in the shadow of Bill 115, says Fred Jamieson, president of CUPE Local 27 representing custodial staff at the Board. Our membership voted to approve the tentative agreement, but they did so under duress. Their support and understanding helped greatly throughout this entire process, and we thank them for that support."

Jamieson thanked the provincial bargaining committee for their hard work, especially during the final week of negotiations which took place over the holiday season.

He concluded by adding "The fight is not over. Our local has concluded this round of bargaining for our members but our concerns around Bill 115's infringement on our democratic rights remain. Bill 115 created a crisis in our schools and we will continue to campaign until all provincial leaders commit that they will not attack our basic collective bargaining rights in the future."