Developmental Services
MEDIA RELEASE July 12, 2007
Talks break down at Community Living Prince Edward: Strike countdown begins
PICTON – OPSEU Local 448, representing the staff at Community
Living Prince Edward, filed an application for a “No Board” report when
bargaining talks broke down yesterday. This places them in a countdown to a
potential strike starting at midnight on Aug. 7.
“We really want to avoid a service disruption if we can,” said
Patti Markland, chair of the bargaining team. “We’re still hoping we can come to
a settlement, but our employer wouldn’t even agree to basic, non-monetary
demands and unless the provincial government comes forward with the necessary
funding we won’t be able to settle the wage issues.”
Four other developmental service agencies are already on strike
in the London & Chatham area as a result of inadequate government funding. Two
other agencies in the Owen Sound area could be on strike as of July 18.
“The Ontario government’s been able to get away with
under-funding services for people with developmental disabilities because most
people just don’t realize it’s happening,” Ms. Markland continued. “We’re
determined to make sure everyone knows this government may talk a good line, but
when it comes to making the people we support a priority, they’re failing.”
Employers agree the biggest problem facing developmental
services is low wages. Staff are leaving the profession for equivalent positions
in other fields because the pay is 25-30 percent more. Agencies can’t get enough
qualified staff.
“We’re calling on Premier McGuinty to stop ignoring the needs of
people with developmental disabilities,” said Ms. Markland. “The Premier needs
to show leadership when it comes to standing up for the people we support. It’s
his responsibility to ensure that quality support services are there when
they’re needed and he has to provide the proper funding to make it happen."
For more information contact: Patti Markland, (613) 848-6016
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