TIMMINS, ON – The Diversity Vice-President, LGBTQ, of the province’s largest union will march with members in Timmins Pride this Saturday.

“Marching in Timmins Pride is just one way to stand up for equality, and for harassment-free workplaces and communities,” said Patrick Hannon, diversity vice-president, LGBTQ, of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario. “As a union, we have developed and successfully negotiated collective agreement language on many equality fronts. We are proud that CUPE was one of the very first unions to bargain protection and advance equality for the LGBTQ community.”

Government austerity has put equity and equality on the back-burner in too many workplaces, said Hannon.

“Austerity is driving a privatization push in this province in the private sector, the top priority is always profit, not equality. Privatizing services like Hydro One impacts everyone, with equity-seeking groups being hardest hit,” he said. “This is one reason why CUPE Ontario fights for reliable public services that are available for everyone.”

WHO: CUPE Ontario Diversity Vice-President Patrick Hannon
WHAT: Timmins Pride parade
WHEN: Saturday, June 13, Festival begins at 1:00 p.m., parade at 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Parade starts at Hollinger Park
CUPE is Ontario’s community union, with 250,000 members providing quality public services we all rely on, in every part of the province, every day. CUPE Ontario members are proud to work in social services, health care, municipalities, school boards, universities and airlines.

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For more information, please contact:
Craig Saunders, CUPE Communications, 416-576-7316