Community Housing Workers make gains in their latest round of negotiations  

December 9, 2010 

OPSEU members at Homes First Society 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. “You’ve demonstrated considerable strength today by showing how a small group of community housing workers can successfully defend their right to decent jobs and benefits. This is what the struggle of working people is all about.”     

After protracted negotiations that ended with four days of conciliation, the bargaining team was proud to recommend an offer that validated the long, hard-won battle against major concessions tabled by the employer.  

The three-year contract contains a 2.5 per cent raise increase in the first year; two per cent in the second year, and one per cent in the third year. The employer has also agreed to increase its RRSP contributions by $500.  

“It was a very emotional night, to face our membership and present an offer we could be proud off. Thank you to all the members and mobilizers for taking a stand and coming together when it counted,” said Lin McInnes, chair of the bargaining team for OPSEU local 540  representing 70 workers at Homes First Society