Strike continues into fourth week in four southwestern agencies
 

July 16, 2007 A July 13 bowling party was an opportunity for Local 144 members from Community Living London and the people they support to get together as the strike at four community agencies in the London area enters its fourth week.

The event, held at London’s Fleetway Bowling Centre, showed the commitment of the workers to the people they support, about 20 of whom came out to the event.

This was just one of many activities in a very busy week for striking OPSEU developmental services workers in the southwest.

Lines remain strong and morale solid at Local 144, London and Middlesex, Local 151 Elgin, and Local 148, Chatham-Kent. Members are expecting OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas and Fist Vice President-Treasurer Patty Rout on picket lines Tuesday.

Last week, members of Local 148 also picketed in Windsor at the offices of MPPs Dwight Duncan and Sandra Pupatello.

And Local 151 and the St. Thomas and District Labour Council are planning a huge rally, 12:00 noon, in front of the office of Steve Peters, MPP, Minister of Labour, July 20. 

Last Wednesday, 12 members from Local 146, Central Huron Community Living joined London picket lines, and were a very loud and welcome presence.

The workers at the four community agencies earn 25-30-per-cent less than people doing similar work in schools, hospitals and at other agencies.