October 11, 2012
The Ontario Pubic Service Employees Union
(OPSEU) have requested that a no board be filed on behalf of workers at
Elizabeth Fry Toronto, who could be in a strike position as soon as October
22, 2012. A strike vote of 91.3% is in place, indicating strong support by
the members for strike action should that be required.
"I am personally calling on Executive
Director Michelle Coombs to return to the bargaining table with a fair
contract for these workers," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
"Elizabeth Fry Toronto should model the kinds of values it claims to uphold.
Staff deserve to be properly valued and treated with respect."
The employer is insisting on concessions
that will cut benefits and job security for casual and contract workers.
"It is wrong that casual
employees who cite health and safety concerns are black-listed and may never
be called in to work again," said bargaining team member, Jaime McGuire. "It
is wrong that contract, temporary employees are being denied statutory
holiday pay and overtime. This employer knows that there are important
issues to be negotiated, and that it’s time to address them properly."
There will be a final day of conciliation
on Friday, October 12.
"We call on the employer to come to the
table with a reasonable offer on Friday," said McGuire. "There is still one
last chance to turn this around."
Workers at Elizabeth Fry Toronto have been
without a contract since March 31, 2011. They provide transitional residence
and community support for women who are, have been or are at risk of being
in conflict with law.
Stand up for women at Elizabeth Fry Toronto
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