PICTON– Developmental service workers from Community Living
Prince Edward picketed the Premier’s constituency office June 22 to raise
awareness about the government’s lack of support for people with developmental
disabilities, as a strike deadline approaches at four Ontario agencies
“The government has been able to get away with underfunding
services for people with developmental disabilities because most people just
don’t realize it’s happening,” said Patti Markland, president of OPSEU Local
448, Community Living Prince Edward. “We’re determined to make sure everyone
knows this government may talk a good line, but when it comes to making the
people we support a priority, they’re failing.”
Employers agree the biggest problem facing developmental
services is low wages. Staff are leaving the profession for equivalent positions
in other fields because the pay is 25-30 percent more. Agencies can’t attract
enough qualified staff.
More than 1,000 staff at Community Living London, Middlesex
Community Living, Elgin Association for Community Living and Community Living
Chatham-Kent could be on strike starting June 23. Sixteen other agencies across
Ontario, including Community Living Prince Edward, also have strong strike
votes.
“We’re not one of the four agencies that could be on strike in a
few days, but our members have given us a 90 percent strike mandate and we may
soon have to use it,” said Ms. Markland. “None of us want to go on strike. It’s
up to the government to come forward with the necessary funding and we hope
everyone will join us in calling on the Premier to make services for the people
we support a priority, before it’s too late.”
Where: Premier Dalton McGuinty’s Constituency Office, 1795
Kilborn Ave. Ottawa
When: Fri. June 22, 2007, 11:00 a.m.
