Members of OPSEU Local 253 (Elmira District Community Living) have voted to endorse their demands at the bargaining table by providing their bargaining team with an 82 per cent strike mandate. With this strike mandate, OPSEU will return to the bargaining table February 21. The strike deadline is set for March 12, 2012.

“We just want a fair and decent contract. We provide valuable services to the most vulnerable citizens in our community,” said Allen Trudy, President Local 253.

“The Minister of Community and Social Services must address the funding crisis in the Developmental Services sector immediately,” said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

The Ministry of Community and Social Services continues to ignore the needs of people with developmental disabilities by not providing the resources necessary to fund the services provided by frontline workers. Wages and stipends continue to be the major outstanding issue.

OPSEU Local 253 includes 145 members that service the diverse needs of individuals including adults and seniors in both the community and residential settings.

For more information please contact:

Trudy Allen, President OPSEU local 253               (519) 820-0693
Neil Fraser, Staff Representative                            (289) 260-3520