MEDIA ADVISORY

Developmental Services workers to picket Dwight Duncan’s Windsor office

May 27, 2011 – Windsor   OPSEU Developmental Services workers will be holding an information picket at Minister of Finance, Dwight Duncan’s constituency office on Saturday, May 28. The picket highlights the need for immediate funding to avoid long-term service cuts and increased waitlists.

WHAT:     Information picket

DATE:      Saturday, May 28, 2011

TIME:       12:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Constituency office of MPP Dwight Duncan  2825 Lauzon Pkwy.  Windsor, Ontario

Central Bargaining talks have broken off at the Developmental Services Provincial Discussion Table. These were to have resulted in a first time ever centrally negotiated agreement in Developmental Services. A key stumbling block is the lack of adequate sector funding offered by the Ministry of Finance.

“We want to get back to the table,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “The Ministry of Finance needs to give the Ministry of Community and Social Services a funding mandate that can properly maintain developmental services in our communities.”

The developmental services sector is approaching a crisis. Waiting lists continue to grow, while sector jobs are predominantly part-time. These jobs are characterized by low wages and lack of benefits and pensions, and are most often held by women.

 “We are committed to the work we do,” said local President, Deb Morphew. ” We would like to avoid disruption to people who receive supports, but are willing to do what it takes to get the much needed funding for the sector.”

There are more than 8,000 OPSEU members working in developmental services.

For more information:

Deb Morphew, Local President (519) 671-2121
Emily Visser, OPSEU Communications (416) 557-7936