This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
“Good labour relations at this agency led to swift resolution of a fair contract,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
Kenora (08 Oct. 2014) — Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) employed at William W. Creighton Youth Services in Kenora ratified a new three-year agreement on September 24.
“Good labour relations at this agency led to swift resolution of a fair contract,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
OPSEU/NUPGE members negotiated contract improvements for casual, part- and full-time workers
The new contract includes wage improvements for casual, part-time and full-time workers. Casual workers can now count on their seniority to ensure they get better shift allocation from the on-call list. Language was also included in the contract to allow current employees to be considered for positions before outside applicants.
“Our primary concern in bargaining was in ensuring our members received the same respect as others doing the same work in Thunder Bay. The new contract has made great progress in this regard,” said OPSEU Steward and bargaining team member, Derrick Lamarche. “We believe the employer joins the union in our commitment to achieving wage parity with our Thunder Bay counterparts.”
“Our local is stronger now. We are learning the importance of protecting each other in the work place, and working together to create a positive work environment," said Lamarche.
Workplace can be dangerous
“Our work can often be dangerous, and we commend the employer for making health and safety a priority,” said Lamarche.
William W. Creighton Youth Services covers their employees’ Long Term Disability payments and also provides Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage.
OPSEU/NUPGE members provide 24 hour services for youth at risk, and include cooks, child and youth workers, secretaries and maintenance workers.
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