The management of Community Living Oakville has rejected a provincial mediator's invitation to renew contract talks to settle the six-week-old strike by 125 staff who care for people with developmental disabilities.

The union is willing to head back to the bargaining table to resolve the issues in dispute and get people back to work before Christmas, said Leah Casselman, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union.

"Management's refusal to restart the talks is an indication of the attitude of Community Living Oakville towards its clients and staff," Casselman said.

"The executive director is willing to allow clients to continue to suffer over the Christmas season. He is only too willing to be cast in the role of the Grinch."

Issues in dispute include wages, job security and a management demand to erode the sick leave plan. Members of OPSEU Local 249 have not had a wage raise in eight years.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Esther Maclean, 905/844-4132

Stacy Mitro, cell.905/512-5474

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