Employers in developmental services sign on to Joint Declaration

Toronto (February 10, 2010) - Employers at 20 agencies across Ontario sign on to Joint Declaration with OPSEU, CUPE and OASIS.

January 20, 2010, marked the Fourth Annual Developmental Service Worker Appreciation Day. Since first marking this day in 2007, unions and employers have come together to celebrate the contribution that developmental service workers make to the lives of individuals and their communities.

Developmental service workers expect this recognition be reflected in a commitment to improving compensation and raising the profile of this vital work. The value placed on developmental service workers reflects the value that society places on supporting individuals who have an intellectual disability.

The government has initiated a process to develop a new HR strategy intended to address sector issues including the retention problem within this sector.

It is important that government, employers and unions come together to seek solutions that will improve services and support workers to stay in the field.

We urge the government to recognize that additional educational and training opportunities will not have a significant impact unless workers are competitively compensated and supported to make developmental services a career choice.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 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

Additional Information:

The Joint Declaration will be presented to Ontario Minister of Community and Social Services, Hon. Madeleine Meilleur. Employers are still invited to sign on to Joint Declaration. If you have any questions or concerns please contact OPSEU Campaigns Officer Luisa Quarta at 1-800-268-7376 ext. 8628

Joint Declaration