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Radius wants staff to accept a wage cut of 1.5 per cent, lose their existing pension plan, and swallow hikes in premiums for existing benefits.
Toronto (10 Nov. 2015) — On November 12, members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) who work in child treatment at Radius SAFE-T could be locked out. The parties are scheduled to meet with the assistance of a mediator on November 9 to again try to reach a settlement.
Strong strike mandate after employer issues concessions in first contract bargaining
In June, the members gave the bargaining team a 100 per cent strike mandate.
“It is no surprise the workers gave such a strong strike mandate,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “This is another example of a good public program being downloaded and the workers and clients being made to suffer. And it's another example of why workers need strong first-contract protection.”
Radius wants staff to accept a wage cut of 1.5 per cent, lose their existing pension plan, and swallow hikes in premiums for existing benefits.
OPSEU/NUPGE members provide specialized services to youth and families
The 19-member bargaining unit comprises social workers, psychometrists and administrative staff who provide specialized assessment and treatment services to youth and families that have experienced intra-familial sexual abuse, to children who exhibit concerning sexualized behaviours, and to youth who have offended sexually.
The work is difficult and stressful. “Our members are proud of the work they do and they deserve to be paid fairly,” said Kim Madden, Chair of the Bargaining Committee.
The SAFE-T (Sexual Abuse: Family Education and Treatment) Program, established in 1983, was downloaded from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) to a third-party transfer agency, Radius Child and Youth Services, in 2013. Since losing direct Ministry oversight, the staff have lost confidence in MCYS’s assurances to safeguard the integrity of the program.
Help these workers reach a fair deal
Child treatment workers at Radius SAFE-T are asking supporters to send tweets with the hashtag #StoptheLockoutatRadius to
- MCYS Minister, Tracy MacCharles, @TracyMacCharles
- Radius @RadiusChild
Supporters can also tell Radius SAFE-T to bargain fairly by calling Radius Executive Director, Darryl Hall: 905-825-3242 Ext. 223.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 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