FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March
8, 2006
Funders must accept
responsibility for shutdown of Family Services Hamilton:
OPSEU
HAMILTON – Funders of Family
Services Hamilton must accept responsibility for its closure,
the Ontario Public Service Employees Union says.
FSH closes its doors for good
today after serving the people of Hamilton for more than 80
years. FSH provides counseling for victims of abuse and
domestic violence, child care for troubled pre-schoolers and
housing assistance for those needing to escape an abusive
situation. The three funders, the Ministry of Community and
Social Services; the City of Hamilton; and the United Way,
have been aware of the agency’s financial and governance
problems for more than a year.
“When the doors close, 66
employees who have dedicated themselves to helping
Hamiltonians when they need it most will be without a job,”
said Mary Long, president of OPSEU Local 216. “Some have
worked with the agency for more than 34 years.”
“Rather than giving ultimatums
to our dysfunctional board, the funders should have worked
proactively with the board to save Family Services Hamilton,”
said Ms. Long. “It’s great that they’ve developed a
contingency plan for our clients, but what about a contingency
plan for the staff, who are well respected for the work they
do?”
Staff are not only losing their
jobs today. They may also lose up to 26 weeks of severance pay
and six weeks of vacation pay. There is also uncertainty
around pension and benefits. Contributions have been deducted
from employee paycheques, but the employer has failed to make
the payments.
“It’s not too late,” said Ms.
Long. “I’m hoping the funders will step up to the plate and do
the right thing. They need to make sure FSH staff are taken
care of.” said Ms. Long.
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For more information:
Mary Long, President of OPSEU local 216, cell: 289-439-6532
