OPSEU members at Participation House ratify contract, end strike

Individually and collectively these members did what it takes to protect the quality services they deliver to the people they care for in their community."

Toronto (16 Nov. 2012) - Fifty developmental services workers at Participation Lodge ratified a new collective agreement on November 13, with a vote of 91 per cent in favour. The workers were into their ninth week of a strike when the employer came back to the table with a significantly better offer.

"Congratulations to the bargaining team who negotiated this new agreement," said Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE), the union which represents the workers. "I also want to commend the entire membership of this local, who stood strong for such a long and difficult strike. They can be proud to have stood up for what they believe in. Individually and collectively these members did what it takes to protect the quality services they deliver to the people they care for in their community."

The new three year collective agreement includes a signing bonus of $300 for all employees, a general wage increase of $0.25 per hour in each of the years 2012 and 2013 as well as an adjustment to benefit premiums co-pay ratios.

Workers returned to work on November 15, and are covered by a return to work protocol that includes working with the Ministry of Labour over the next few weeks to improve the working environment.

"Our members have worked hard to make this agency a better place both for workers and the people they care for," said OPSEU negotiator, Paul Johnstone. "They are looking forward to an improved relationship with their employer."

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