This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
“I can confidently say that no one is better able to represent ASYR’s workers than OPSEU/NUPGE.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President
Aurora (19 Dec. 2016) — All 50 front-line staff with Addiction Services for York Region (ASYR) have become members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE). The workers said yes to joining the 130,000‑strong union in a vote held on December 12.
OPSEU/NUPGE already represents over 8,000 mental health workers
“This group of hardworking mental health professionals spoke very clearly,” said Ed Arvelin, Chair of OPSEU’s Mental Health Division. “We had a high turnout, and the vote was decisively in favour of joining the union. It sends a strong message to the employer, who will need to approach negotiations for a first collective agreement with a serious and collaborative attitude.”
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President, congratulated the workers at ASYR for choosing to join a union that already represents some 8,000 mental health workers in Ontario.
“As someone who worked in mental health for most of my adult life, I know something about the work of mental health and addictions workers and the particular challenges that go with the field,” said Thomas. “I can confidently say that no one is better able to represent ASYR’s workers than OPSEU/NUPGE.”
“I wish them a warm welcome to OPSEU/NUPGE and look forward to achieving a first collective agreement,” Thomas said.
Addiction Services for York Region is a non-profit rehabilitation agency that specializes in the treatment of substance, drug, and alcohol abuse. It provides addiction assessment and out-patient treatment services for individuals aged 12 and older. The agency works out of 9 locations throughout York Region, including Aurora, Richmond Hill, Markham, Maple, and Keswick.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 370,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE