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"They do important work, they do valuable work, and they are ready to stand up for their rights and have that value respected and recognized.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President
Scarborough (07 Sept. 2017) — Frontline workers at Julliette’s Place women’s shelter say they won’t accept concessions in their next collective agreement.
Shelter empowers women but employer wants to reduce wages, retirement savings for its workers
The workers, members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) are facing employer demands for cuts to RRSP contributions and wages. At a meeting earlier in August, members voted unanimously to give their bargaining team a strike mandate.
“The message that staff at Julliette’s Place sent management couldn’t be clearer,” said Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President. “They do important work, they do valuable work, and they are ready to stand up for their rights and have that value respected and recognized.”
The 27 OPSEU/NUPGE members provide services for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
“The core business of Julliette’s Place is to empower women, yet at the bargaining table management has proposed nothing but takeaways,” said Thomas. “This is not something we have any intention of accepting, and if the only way to make management listen is to get ready for a strike, then that’s just what we’ll do.”
The collective agreement at Julliette’s Place expired on March 31, 2017. The 2 sides have met with the assistance of a conciliator; no new talks are scheduled at this time.