Developmental services workers at Reena have shown strong
support for their bargaining team with a 93.2% vote in favour of taking
strike action if the employer fails to bring a fair offer to the table.
"These workers deserve a fair contract and respect for the
important services they provide for some of the most vulnerable members of
our community," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "Workers at Reena
have the full support of their union."
Members of OPSEU Local 554 are calling for a contract with a
mandate to improve labour relations. "Our Local needs to be able to properly
represent our members," said Local President and bargaining team member,
Connie MacKinnon. "We have a strong mandate from our members to bring back a
good contract."
The chronic underfunding of Ontario's Developmental Services
Sector is the root cause of workers' struggle to reach a reasonable
settlement. "Our members have extensive training, and provide quality care
and compassion to the people they support," said MacKinnon. "It is
unacceptable that so many of these workers are forced to work two or more
part-time jobs to provide for themselves and their families."
There are 435 OPSEU members working at Reena. They provide
support and services to close to one thousand children and adults with
developmental disabilities through residential support and programs
involving recreation and leisure activities, life and work skills
development as well as job placement programs.
Negotiations are scheduled to resume in early February.
Print this page
