OPSEU welcomes newest long term care members at Mohawk Council of Akwesasne

The parties demonstrated creativity and flexibility in arriving at this agreement allowing labour relations and the protection of employees’ rights to move forward quickly.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

Toronto (08 Jan. 2014) – In December,  a historic agreement was entered into between the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE).

Workers at Tsiionkwanonhso:te voted in favour of joining OPSEU/NUPGE

In a special ceremony held on Akwesasne lands, Chief Brian David and OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas have signed a voluntary recognition agreement which allows OPSEU/NUPGE to represent the 65 workers atTsiionkwanonhso:te, a long-term care facility on Cornwall Island. Earlier this year, these workers voted 85 per cent in favour of being represented by OPSEU/NUPGE.

Thomas said that this agreement creates a unique labour “code” that recognizes the needs and interests of a First Nation while at the same time offering unionized employees the same kind of protections that are afforded under the Ontario Labour Relations Act or Canada Labour Code.

OPSEU/NUPGE looks forward to a productive relationship with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne

“These workers wanted a voice, equality and fairness in their workplace, while also having the ability to work as partners with the employer to make improvements,” Thomas said. “The parties demonstrated creativity and flexibility in arriving at this agreement allowing labour relations and the protection of employees’ rights to move forward quickly.”

OPSEU/NUPGE looks forward to a productive relationship with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.

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