Local 133 at the Canadian Mental Health
Association-Oxford (CMHA-Oxford) will be in a strike or
lockout position on Saturday, October 6 at 12:01 a.m.
"We expect this employer to take the
opportunity of mediation to turn things around," said OPSEU
President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "Workers at CMHA-Oxford
have gone far too long without a contract."
Conciliation resulted in an unacceptable
offer, and OPSEU’s bargaining team filed a no board report
on September 7, 2012. Workers have been without a contract
for more than 17 months.
The local gave their bargaining team a
strong strike mandate with a 97% vote. Members also voted
97% against the employer’s proposed four year "Global
Comprehensive Offer" which failed to meet industry norms.
The parties have agreed to mediation
scheduled for Friday, October 5.
"We are calling on Executive Director, Mike
McMahon to join us at the mediation table," said Local
President, Tischa Forster. "We do not wish to engage in a
labour dispute action that would create any service
disruptions to the vulnerable clients we serve in the
Community of Oxford. It is time for this employer to value
their staff."
"We expect a fair and reasonable deal in
keeping with comparators," said Forster.
CMHA-Oxford staff are regulated health care
professionals who perform highly sensitive and intensive
work with people suffering from serious mental illness and
addiction.
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