Clarendon Foundation caregivers set to strike over lack of benefits, low wages

TORONTO - Caregivers at Clarendon Foundation are set to go on strike March 3. Wages are low and almost 85 per cent of staff are part-time and receive no benefits.

The 62 members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, who provide in home care for physically disabled people at two locations in Toronto, voted unanimously to give their bargaining team a strike mandate.

The employer has not provided pay equity payments to the staff in years. Almost all of the caregivers are visible minority women.

One day of mediation is scheduled for February 27. “Our members sincerely hope they do not have to go on strike,” said bargaining team chair Joy Mitchell. “They really feel they are making a difference and enjoy their personal contact with the consumers.”

OPSEU says working quarters are run down, but off-site head offices are luxurious by comparison. “Instead of maintaining such plush management offices in a remote location, the employer should start providing living wages and benefits to these hard-working and dedicated caregivers,” said OPSEU negotiator Marilyn Youden.

The contract expired March 31, 2002. The employer is offering just one per cent a year increase over three years, plus roughly one per cent pay in lieu of benefits for part-timers. Staff earn from $11.27 to $14.48 per hour.

-30-

For further information:

Joy Mitchell, Chair of Negotiating Team 416-741-7769
Marilyn Youden, OPSEU Staff Representative 416-593-1116 (x 231)
David Cox, OPSEU Communications: 416-443-8888 (ext 314)