OPSEU successfully defends raid at Lee Manor

January 18, 2011

OPSEU members at Lee Manor Home for the Aged soundly rejected a union raid by the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) in a vote held Monday, January 17.

Two years ago, employees at Lee Manor switched their union representation to OPSEU from CLAC, citing a long list of problems with representation and service. CLAC attempted to raid their former members back, but were rejected by nearly 80 per cent of the employees.

“Once again, our members have told this association that they prefer to deal with a professional, member-driven union,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “They rejected CLAC two years ago, and they’ve rejected them by an even stronger mandate this time. Our members receive superior service and thrive within a democratic organization. That’s what makes the difference.”

Local 299 President AnnaMarie Hampton-Alcock said that she hopes that CLAC has finally got the message that they are not welcome at Lee Manor.

“Two years ago, we voted 75 per cent to bring OPSEU into our workplace in order to address years of problems we had with working conditions in the home,” Hampton-Alcock said. “Under OPSEU, we have made great strides at Lee Manor, and have a new collective agreement that will form a solid base for our next set of negotiations that begin this year.”

Region 2 OPSEU Vice-President Mike Grimaldi said this proves that OPSEU is the union of choice for long-term care workers. “Our members know that OPSEU has the expertise and the resources. This ensures they get the support they need to improve their working lives.”