Community Agencies

Mainstay Housing workers hold firm and ratify three-year deal

July 8, 2011

OPSEU members at Mainstay Housing in Toronto have ratified a three-year contract agreement recommended by their bargaining team.

“Congratulations on this successful round of bargaining,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “Your resolve to bargain for improvements in light of the challenges you faced at the table benefits all workers in small community agencies like Mainstay who struggle to promote dignity and respect for workers in the workplace.”

After three days of conciliation, the bargaining team held firm and bargained past the strike deadline. The members had earlier voted 98 per cent in favour of a strike, if negotiations had failed.

The three-year contract contains a bonus of $750 in each of the first two years and a two per cent raise in the third year. The employer has also agreed to benefit improvements, an extra floating holiday each year, an increase from $80 to $140 for standby/call back shifts with minimum compensation for standby shifts increasing from two to three hours, a mileage allowance increase to 45 cents per kilometer and vacation improvements after 15 years of service.

“We faced an employer that showed little interest in bargaining and we managed to secure improvements that recognize the important work that we do. We are proud of all our members who rallied together to stand in support of their demands,” said Sharon Williams, chair of the bargaining team for OPSEU Local 540 which represents 38 workers at Mainstay Housing.

More information:
Ann Ledwidge
OPSEU Staff Representative
Cell number (416) 524-4299

We represent members in

Mainstay Housing

Denise House Sedna Women's Shelter

Toronto Community Employment Services

Centre for Spanish-Speaking Peoples

Women's Shelter of Georgina Inc.

The Assaulted Women's Helpline

Times Change Women's Employment Service

Corbrook Sheltered Workshop and Scarbrook Enterprises

A.C.C.E.S. for New Canadians

Homes First Society

Youth Employment Service

Kids Help Phone Line

North York Women's Shelter

Manitoulin Family Resources Inc.

Oshawa Durham Rape Crisis Centre

Salvation Army Plus Program

The Salvation Army Evangeline Residence

St. Thomas Elgin Advocacy Centre

William C. Bain Youth Homes

Homeward Family Shelter

Working Women's Community Centre

Thunder Bay Emergency Shelter

Interim Place