FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2000

Young offenders service votes to strike

HAMILTON – Members of Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 268, who work in three open-custody young offenders’ homes in the Halton area have voted 92 per cent Monday evening in favour of strike action to back their contract demands.

The 67 union members work in facilities in Burlington, Milton and Acton operated by Community Resource Services. They look after a changing population of up to 38 young offenders at any given time. Their previous contract expired March 31.

Key issue for the 20 full-time and 47 part-time workers is comparable pay to staff in neighbouring young offender facilities.

The top rate for a youth worker at Community Resource Services is $15.75 an hour after five years, compared to $16.38 for an equivalent youth worker at Arrell Youth Centre.

It would take an increase of 4 per cent to bring the rates up to the level at Arrell. The employer has offered an increase of 1 per cent effective on ratification and another 1 per cent in the second year of a two-year contract.

Despite two serious injuries to staff in recent months, both of which occurred during periods of short-staffing, the employer has said any further raises would have to be paid for by reducing the number of front-line staff.

"This is totally unacceptable," said union staff negotiator Esther MacLean. "These members are doing risky and important work, and they deserve to be properly compensated."

Improved vacation and sick leave are other priority items.

Community Resource Services operates on funding from the Ministry of Community and Social Services, with some money from the United Way and lotteries.

The union has applied for conciliation in an effort to move negotiations forward.

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For further information:

Esther MacLean: 905-525-5527