FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 9, 2001

Therapists to launch petition campaign boycotting 
the Kingston Access Centre

KINGSTON - NDP leader Howard Hampton will join OPSEU members laid off by the St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital at a press conference to be held on August 10.

Date: Friday, August 10, 2001
Time: 2 p.m.
Place: 1055 Princess Street, Kingston

The press conference will launch a petition campaign by the laid off members of OPSEU Local 452, which include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, speech language pathologists and dietitians. Members will attempt to gather signatures from other therapists in the area who are willing to boycott employment by the Kingston Community Care Access Centre.

Dave Carmichael, president of OPSEU Local 452, says that the layoffs are just one element of the disservice to Kingston by the Access Centre.

“The Access Centre claims that budget cuts have forced the termination of the St. Mary’s contract and the subsequent layoff of our members,” Carmichael said. “We believe that the Access Centre is exploiting the situation just to break our union. The Access Centre must be held accountable for breaking its legal and ethical commitment to the therapists and our clients.”

The petition asks the signers to demonstrate support for the laid-off therapists by refusing to work directly or indirectly for the Access Centre.

“We are trying to send a strong message to the Access Centre that they are doing an injustice to our members and the clients that we serve,” Carmichael said. “We just want to be able to help the disabled clients who desperately need us, and ensure that this care is available in the future. Hopefully the Access Centre will come to their senses and deal with this situation in a responsible manner.” 

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For more information: Dave Carmichael: (613) 384-0449