FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 22, 2004
New Path workers narrowly ratify new collective agreement
BARRIE - Workers for New Path in Simcoe County have narrowly ratified a new collective agreement. Their previous contract expired on April 1, 2003, and the new agreement expires on December 31, 2004.
Dawn Ross, negotiating team member for OPSEU Local 332, said that the employer's offer fell far short of the members' demands, but the employees' concerns for the clients outweighed the bargaining issues.
"New Path made it clear that they did not want to spend any money to address shortfalls with wages and benefits," Ross said. "With the employer's attitude, a strike seemed inevitable. Our members were obviously more concerned with our clients' welfare than the employer was."
Ross said that wage and benefit issues will have to be eventually addressed or client services will continue to deteriorate.
"Right now, we have long waiting lists for counselling and residential treatment," Ross said. "Our members earn far less than workers in other jurisdictions doing the exact same work. With this kind of disparity, it has become increasingly more difficult to retain and attract quality staff. In the end, it is the people
of Simcoe County who suffer."
New Path provides counselling services for youths, adults and families who are dealing with abuse and mental health issues. New Path also runs the Partner Assault Response Service mandated by the courts, as well as a residential treatment program for youths 12-17 years old. New Path receives referrals from the
Children's Aid Society, doctors, parent organizations, schools and hospitals across Simcoe County.
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For more information, please contact:
Dawn Ross (705) 835-6626
