Children's Aid Societies

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas told the members about OPSEU's achievements in developmental services. “We did it for developmental services and now we are taking on Children’s Aid!” he said.

Thomas invited new Executive Director Patrick Lake to meet and put an end to a long history of agency mismanagement. “If the ministry funding formula is the same for CAS agencies across the province why can't York CAS management manage the workload?” asked Thomas.

OPSEU Vice-President Treasurer Patty Rout noted the support in the community for members on the lines.  “The public understands what this employer has failed to see - that child protection workers deserve all the support they need to do their job so that no children are placed at risk”  

MPP Cheri Di Novo, MPP for Parkdale High Park said it was a shame workers had to strike over workload when they work with the most vulnerable in our society. 

John Cartwright, President of the Toronto York Labour Council reminded the workers that they are part of a long tradition of workers fighting for fairness. He invited everyone to celebrate union strength at the labour day parade.

Doris Middleton, Executive Board member for Region three, welcomed the guests and brought words of solidarity from brother and sisters across OPSEU.  She said that already calls were coming in fast with donations to the strike fund. 

Members of OPSEU Local 304 brought children, friends and family. Other guests included Valerie Hartling, President of CUPE Local 2316, OPSEU Local 310, court workers, Rick Pybus, sector chair for CAS, and workers from Simcoe CAS.