FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 14, 2004
Talks break down - Syl Apps workers to strike at midnight
OAKVILLE - Youth Workers at the Syl Apps Youth Centre are set to strike at midnight tonight after talks broke down with the employer early this morning.
The 145 members of OPSEU Local 213 are extremely disappointed by the tactics of the employer, Kinark Child & Family Services, due to Kinark's refusal to seriously participate in the bargaining process.
"Kinark made it clear from Day 1 that they were not interested in looking at any contract improvements," said Mohar Budhram, President of Local 213. "All they wanted to talk about were concessions. They are jeopardizing our safety through staffing cuts, and want to reduce benefits in our contract. They obviously want a
strike. In their minds, the well-being of the youths and the staff who care for them must come a distant second."
Workers at the facility are asking for parity with correctional workers in the Ontario Public Service along with shift premiums and improvements to pensions. Kinark's position is a zero per cent wage increase along with reductions in sick time entitlements and WSIB provisions. Kinark has already reduced unit staffing
levels and refuses to commit to maintaining internal emergency response teams.
Government funded Syl Apps is an 80-bed facility that houses problem "deep-end" youths and hard to serve high risk young offenders aged 12 to 16. The youths are charged with crimes that include armed robbery, murder and sexual assault.
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For more information, please contact:
Mohar Budhram: (905) 848-1953
Bebe De Freitas, OPSEU Staff Representative: (905) 536-8774
