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"These workers deserve a fair contract and respect for the important services they provide for some of the most vulnerable members of our community," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
Toronto (16 Jan. 2012) - Developmental services members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) at Reena have shown strong support for their bargaining team with a 93.2 per cent vote in favour of taking strike action if the employer fails to bring a fair offer to the table.
"These workers deserve a fair contract and respect for the important services they provide for some of the most vulnerable members of our community," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "Workers at Reena have the full support of their union."
The workers are calling for a contract with a mandate to improve labour relations. "Our Local needs to be able to properly represent our members," said Local President and bargaining team member, Connie MacKinnon. "We have a strong mandate from our members to bring back a good contract."
The chronic underfunding of Ontario's developmental services sector is the root cause of workers' struggle to reach a reasonable settlement. "Our members have extensive training, and provide quality care and compassion to the people they support," said MacKinnon. "It is unacceptable that so many of these workers are forced to work two or more part-time jobs to provide for themselves and their families."
There are 435 OPSEU members working at Reena. They provide support and services to close to one thousand children and adults with developmental disabilities through residential support and programs involving recreation and leisure activities, life and work skills development as well as job placement programs.
Negotiations are scheduled to resume in early February.
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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