Empty Kettle Forces OPSEU to Strike Salvation Army in London

London – The Salvation Army didn’t put enough money in the kettle for its workers to settle and members of OPSEU Local 153 will strike at midnight tonight.

The 130 workers who provide care for people with disabilities at the Salvation Army London Village are taking strike action after rejecting the employer’s latest offer on Saturday. The workers are seeking a wage increase of 1.5 percent in each year of a two-year agreement, a continuation of benefits and compensation for mandatory staff training. Since bargaining began in May, The Salvation Army has maintained that it can’t afford to pay the increase. "This employer says it has no money for its workers yet it can afford to purchase real estate and new equipment," said OPSEU regional representative Carol Warner.

The OPSEU bargaining team brought numerous cost-saving suggestions to the table but they were rejected by the employer. "We showed them how they could save money in their benefits packages over the next two years but they weren't interested," said Warner.

As a sign of good will, OPSEU Local 153 has offered to make its members available for an emergency response team in the event of a client emergency during the strike. We have also offered the employer our services for escort assistance of special clients to and from the Village during the strike. Good will is central to the Salvation Army; it’s time for the employer to show some to its workers.

-30-

For further information:

Carol Warner 519-649-7770
Dianne Smith 519-649-7770
Bill Trbovich 416-448-7400/561-5613/793-0092
Pierre Florea 416-450-1252

 Press Release Index