FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 25, 2004
Kinark refusing to bargain with Syl Apps Employees
OAKVILLE - The union representing Youth Workers at the Syl Apps Youth Centre is raising serious concerns about the apparent refusal of Kinark Child & Family Services to bargain a new collective agreement.
Yesterday, on the first day of talks, Kinark requested the issuance of a "No Board" report from the Ministry of Labour immediately after proposals were exchanged. By making this request, the employer has now set in motion the possibility of a legal lockout/strike.
"It has become evident that Kinark is not interested in any type of collective bargaining with the union," said Mohar Budhram, president of OPSEU Local 213. "Our goal is to have meaningful dialogue on the issues, and avoid any type of labour disruption. Obviously, Kinark Child & Family Services has a different agenda."
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.
A mediation date has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 13. The parties will be in a legal lockout/strike position at midnight on April 15, 2004. The Collective Agreement expires on March 31, 2004.
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For more information, please contact:
Mohar Budhram (h) 905-848-1953
