Oaklands Regional Centre ratifies new contract

TORONTO – Members of Local 249 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union who work at Oaklands Regional Centre in Oakville have ratified a two-year agreement by a 70% vote.

The new contract, which runs from April 1, 1999 to March 31, 2001, provides for an increase of three per cent on April 1 of each year.

Other gains include an expansion of the dental plan, more money for eyeglasses, and coverage of massages up to $300 a year.

Part-timers will get increases on the wage grid and vacation entitlement after 1,248 hours rather than after 1,600, and relief staff will get an additional 1 per cent (to 13 per cent) additional pay in lieu of benefits.

Hours worked for part-time for movement on the wage grid and vacation go

from 1600 to 1,248.

For most members, the new agreement will raise their hourly pay to $17.42 from $16.42 over the two years.

Staff negotiator Esther MacLean said the gains reflected the determination of the bargaining team.

"They felt after seven years it was time for a decent increase. They weren’t prepared to make concessions again.

"Even though Oaklands falls under the Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act, which makes strike action illegal, the bargaining team was prepared to take job action to get a good contract, and their members were ready to support them," MacLean said.

She credited the bargaining team of Sue Walker, Brock Suddaby, Elfie Chase and Brenda Powell for a lot of hard work and leadership.

The contract covers about 250 full and part-time workers at Oaklands. They work with developmentally challenged adults, providing care and a variety of programs.

–30 –

Return to Top