March of Dimes workers reach tentative contract deal

“I want to congratulate the members of Local 262 for hanging tough in the face of an employer who preferred to put the profits earned by the agency ahead of the needs of its clients and employees,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas

Oakville (27 Nov. 2013 – Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) Local 262 at the March of Dimes in Oakville have reached a tentative contract deal after being locked out by the employer since October 28. A ratification vote is scheduled for Nov. 28.

Bargaining was difficult with employer devaluing work of staff

OPSEU/NUPGE members had turned down an earlier final contract offer from the employer that contained no wage increases for three years, benefit cuts and changes to the contract language. In response, the union launched an advertising campaign that focused on the profits made by the March of Dimes and the fact that while workers were being offered zeros the agency’s executive director saw her salary increase by 13 per cent between 2011 and 2012 to almost $270,000 including benefits.

“I want to congratulate the members of Local 262 for hanging tough in the face of an employer who preferred to put the profits earned by the agency ahead of the needs of its clients and employees,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas, who joined the picket line outside the Oakville facility on October 29.

Thomas also thanked OPSEU Region 2 Executive Board members for demonstrating their solidarity with the locked out workers as well as to Local 262 bargaining team members Jolene Schotsman and Carolyn Lafee for their “strength, determination, perseverance and leadership in the struggle to bring about a tentative settlement on behalf of their members.”