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Issue #40       March 30, 2002

“You can’t complain about the consequences when you generate the consequence yourself.” Justice Winkler, speaking to management with regards to moving inmates to court

A strike doesn’t change our professionalism

One of the things that OPSEU members can be most proud of is the professional, caring and compassionate way that we do our jobs. This strike has not changed that. Where we have essential service workers, those members make it their priority to look after the people they need to look after. The paperwork might be disregarded, but the people in our care never are.

Yet anyone reading a recent government press release thinks that people who live at Southwestern Regional Centre are being allowed to lie in waste, on the verge of having to wear dirty clothing. It is simply appalling that David Tsubouchi would approve a press release stating that staff would allow a resident to lie in dirty clothing. This was never the case and, frankly, the comments are libelous.

The laundry workers at Southwestern Regional Centre did refuse to wash all of the clothing. However, laundry workers notified areas to call the laundry if they were running out of clothing and their clothing would be washed. There was never a risk of the vulnerable people staying at Southwestern Regional Centre being neglected.

We question if Mr. Tsubouchi has ever seen the inside of one of these facilities. Somehow, we doubt it. We also question if Tsubouchi knows anything about the people who live there, or the people who work there. The staff at Southwestern Regional Centre are advocates. They are lobbying this government to keep the facility open in order to ensure the continued care of those living there.

We wonder if Mr. Tsubouchi even knows where Southwestern Regional Centre is. We also wonder if Mr. Tsubouchi has the courage to go to the facility, stare straight into the eyes of the caring and committed people who work there, and tell them to their faces what he dared to put in a press release.

David Tsubouchi should be ashamed of himself. But it seems that shame is not an emotion allowed in the current Ontario government.

Thank you, thank you, thank you

We continue to receive e-mails, phone calls and faxes of support. It means a lot to us. We also continue to receive amazing stories about members doing amazing things.

Your perseverance is what matters. You have implemented Phase One of the inside strategy to a tee - and it worked. We know that many of you rose above and beyond the call of duty, and you all need to be applauded. Thank you for that.

Be ready for Phase Two, coming to you next week!

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