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“These hard-working individuals deserve a fair first contract,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
Toronto (20 March 2012) - On March 16, members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) who work at Fred Victor Centre in Toronto delivered a 75 per cent strike mandate to the bargaining committee trying to reach a collective agreement. A large majority of the front-line staff came out and voted in favor of authorizing their bargaining team the right to call a strike if necessary after their employer filed a no board report, potentially leading to a lockout on March 26.
Over 80 people representing community allies from across Toronto came to offer their full support to Fred Victor Centre front-line workers yesterday. John Cartwright, president of the Toronto and York Labour Council reinforced that the dignity and respect provided to Fred Victor clients must also be extended to Fred Victor Centre front-line workers.
“These hard-working individuals deserve a fair first contract,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “It is insulting that the employer would put nothing but zeros on the table and then request the no board report to pressure the workers to accept.”
“We want to make sure that Mark Aston gets the message to seal the deal when both parties return to the bargaining table on March 22,” said OPSEU Regional Vice President Nancy Pridham. “Front-line workers at Fred Victor are passionate about advocating for their clients and it is unjust for the employer to deny them the respect they rightfully deserve.”
Fred Victor Centre is a non-profit agency that provides a wide range of programs and housing support services to people experiencing homelessness.
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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