FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 25, 2000

OPSEU: Reject "high-handed" Salvation Army’s recent offer

LONDON - The Ontario Public Service Employees Union is recommending Salvation Army Community Living staff in London reject the employer’s most recent offer in a supervised vote Mar. 3.

"There is nothing new in this offer," said Carol Warner, negotiator for OPSEU Local 153. "The employer still refuses to budge from its zero per cent wage offer. The only money it’s offering comes from pay equity which it’s required to give our members by law."

The Salvation Army is allowed by law to ask for a vote on its offer, supervised by the Ontario Labour Relations Board. The vote will be held Mar. 3 at the Lamplighter Inn.

"The fact is this vote isn’t necessary," said Warner. "This vote is being forced on our members because the Salvation Army in its high-handed way refuses to bargain with the union. OPSEU is ready and willing at any time to return to the bargaining table and bargain in good faith with this employer."

OPSEU revised its wage proposal when it met with the Salvation Army in mediation

Feb. 17. The union is asking for a one per cent wage increase each year of a two-year contract and a signing bonus in the first year. The 130 residential and vocational counsellors make between $11.13 and $13.82 an hour.

"There is no justification for the Salvation Army’s zero per cent wage offer when even the provincial government says it will fund up to 2 per cent," said Warner.

The Salvation Army’s recent offer does not address their employees other main concern: pay for mandatory training. Currently, staff are required to take the training on their own time and they receive no pay for it.

The strike by Salvation Army Community Living staff in London began Dec. 14, 1999.

-30

For more information: 

Carol Warner (519) 649-7770; (519) 852-2749 (cell)