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"These workers are about to start reaping the benefits of joining OPSEU/NUPGE. They had no wage grid, no pay in lieu and no group RRSP. All of that has just changed." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President
Toronto (22 Oct. 2018) — Congratulations to all of the call centre workers at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital who have just ratified their first-ever collective agreement.
Call centre workers can now bargain for improved working conditions
These workers are employed by Sodexo, and are the newest of more than 1,200 Mackenzie Health staff to join the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE). Others who work in the office and clerical, service, and diagnostic imaging are also members.
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President, explained “It’s about making sure everyone in the workplace is brought under the protection and representation of the union. That solidarity raises the bar for everyone. No one should be left behind when it comes to the right to decent work."
"These workers are about to start reaping the benefits of joining OPSEU/NUPGE. They had no wage grid, no pay in lieu and no group RRSP. All of that has just changed," said Thomas.
Additional gains include float days, improvements to vision care and more vacation time.
The Sodexo call centre workers have joined more than 1,000 members in OPSEU Local 374, with the balance of the Mackenzie Health members being part of OPSEU Local 388.