Sixth Annual Worker Appreciation Day, January 19, 2012
Make it Happen in your Local!

January 10, 2012 Our Sixth Annual Worker Appreciation Day marks a critical time for developmental services. This year, our sector poster highlights the need to “Stand-up for Developmental Services” at a time when we face the threat of serious cuts in 2012.

The McGuinty government’s Commission on the Reform of Public Services in Ontario, headed by Don Drummond former senior vice president for the TD Bank, is looking to recommend widespread cuts that will hit social services particularly hard. The Drummond Commission is operating in secrecy, avoiding the questions of inequality, the impact of privatization of public services, and ignoring the question of how to generate funding to pay for public services.

In response to this attack OPSEU is coordinating “the Commission on Quality Public Services and Tax Fairness” with the Public Services Foundation of Canada.

As noted by President Smokey Thomas, “this PSFC hearing process will provide OPSEU members and many community groups with a place where their voices and views can be registered given that the mandate provided by Drummond eliminated their voices from his process.”

The PSFC is a national research and advocacy organization dedicated to defending and promoting the value of high quality public services. The Commission will conduct Hearings and Town Hall forums in 12 communities across the province in January and February 2012. Please consult www.standupontario.org for a schedule of Hearings and Town Hall forums.

Let’s stand up for our public services on January 19! Get the message out to OPSEU members and the community. Make a written submission either as a group or an individual. Make it a priority to attend a Hearing or Town Hall forum.

• Generate content for a written submission to the Commission by:
  

  • Hosting a lunch and learn in your workplace or hosting a meeting at your home with local activists

• Submit your own personal story to the Commission on the following website:
  

  • http://www.standupontario.org/tell-us-your-story/

• Have a video/print contest:
  

  • ask members to do a 1 minute video on why they are standing up for developmental services

• Spread the word:
  

  • Insert the www.standupontario.org  link to your Facebook page

  
  

  • create a designated space on union boards with information on these campaigns (post commission schedule and other materials)

For questions or assistance, please call: Sabrina De Girolamo (416) 443-8888 ext. 8242

In solidarity,

Sue Walker, Chair
Developmental Services Executive Committee

Download PDF Poster

Download PDF Letter