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"Strike action is never the first choice, but AYSP staff have shown they will do what is necessary to reach an agreement." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President
Toronto (30 Jan. 2018) — Workers at Associated Youth Services of Peel (AYSP) have voted 82 per cent in favour of taking strike action, if necessary, in order to settle a fair contract with their employer. Workers voted at a well-attended general membership meeting on January 25.
Strong strike mandate backs first contract proposals
AYSP staff joined the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) in January 2017, and have tried to negotiate a first contract with the employer for 16 days without success.
“These workers have delivered a strong message that they expect their employer to come to a fair collective agreement. Strike action is never the first choice, but AYSP staff have shown they will do what is necessary to reach an agreement. They also know they have the full strength of OPSEU/NUPGE backing them up,” said Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.
Job security is a key demand at the table, as restructuring of the organization is causing stress in the workplace. AYSP staff are also asking for a contract with a modest wage increase, and which is on a par with other child treatment workplaces.
“Frontline staff at AYSP have been patient long enough,” said Thomas. “They deserve better than this. They work hard to support children, youth and families in Peel. It’s time for this employer to do the right thing: Bargain a fair contract, and stop making these workers wait.”
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) represents more than 130,000 workers across Ontario.