Pritchard, who is a member of Canadian Autoworkers Local 1285 at the Chrysler Bramalea assembly plant near Toronto, released a statement the first day of the strike, which was distributed to the media and striking teachers and supporters at the October 27 mass rally at the provincial legislature.

"Every worker and every student in Ontario has a stake in the outcome of the teachers' struggle against Bill 160," said the statement. "This bill is about further cutbacks to education, and it is an attack on collective- bargaining rights.

"The Tories in Queen's Park, and the Liberals in Ottawa have been attacking the social wage - health care, education and other programs - that working people won through years of struggle. They are trying to boost the profit rates of the ruling rich who face a worsening worldwide economic crisis of the capitalism system.

"If the Harris government defeats the teachers, it will be a serious setback for every union member.- We can fight this if unionists from industry, and the public sector walk the picket lines with the teachers."

In a mayoral candidates debate sponsored by the Toronto Star newspaper, Pritchard challenged the front running candidates, North York mayor Mel Lastman, and Toronto mayor Barbara Hall, to support the teachers by getting out on their picket lines.

However, both candidates since then have stated that they would cross picket lines to attend election debates held on school premises.

Pritchard's challenge to the candidates was reported in the Star's coverage of the election debate.

- J.S.  
 
 
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