Campaigns
 

Student information pickets at Algonquin Park well received by public

August 10, 2009

Students working at Algonquin Park had a very successful information picket on Friday July 31, 2009. The students, who are members of OPSEU Local 306, handed out more than 600 flyers to individuals entering the park.

The public response was very supportive. One man entering the park stated that he would personally speak to his friend and neighbor who is an influential politician after a lengthy discussion about the lack of “pay in lieu” of vacation and for working statutory holidays.

Media coverage has been terrific. People entering the park heard about the information picket on the radio before even entering the park.

Workers throughout the park wore the “fairness for student workers” stickers to support the students in their quest to seek fairness for lost wages.

Students signed contracts this year stating that they would receive 8.16 per cent of gross pay added to their hourly wage rate in lieu of vacation and holiday pay. Students will lose between $400 and $600 this summer, which is the equivalent to the cost of textbooks or money towards rising tuition fees.

About 3,400 high school, college and university students work for the Ontario government in the summer. They work at the many provincial parks, travel information centres, tourist attractions and many other programs that Ontarians enjoy during the summer months.

Student workers at other provincial parks and tourist attractions are expected to stage protests in the weeks ahead.

Fairness for Ontario government summer students Index