News Releases    

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 13, 2003

Strike looms at Villa Verde

HAMILTON – Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union who work with disabled clients at Villa Verde could be on strike as soon as Saturday, March 29.

The 30 members of Local 262 are employed by the March of Dimes to help clients in the assisted living apartments. Most of them are support services attendants, earning between $11.67 and $14.14 an hour. A few are team leaders making $13.45 to $16.17.

Money is the key issue, with the employer offering no increase for the first year and two per cent increases in the second two years of a three-year contract. The group’s previous contract expired June 30, 2002.

Esther Maclean, the staff negotiator working with the group, said the zero increase in the first year is seen as an insult to these caring workers.

“These people do important work for people with disabilities. They are undervalued and they deserve more. Their work has a very real bearing on the quality of life of the people they work with. They love their work, but they have earned more respect and recognition,” Maclean said.

The bargaining unit rejected the employer’s offer and authorized strike action by a margin of 92 per cent. Mediation is scheduled for March 24 in an effort to achieve a settlement without job action.

“We don’t want to hurt the people we work with, but we have a responsibility to our own families as well,” said Mary Plesa, chair of the union negotiating committee.

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For further information:

Esther Maclean – 905-525-5527
Mary Plesa – 905-662-0523