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Y stands for Yes as Sudbury ‘Y’ joins OPSEU

“The newest members of the OPSEU/NUPGE family can rest assured that we’ll be working as hard for them as they do for the many people in Sudbury who reach out to them for help." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

Sudbury (13 July 2016) — Thirty-six staff working in employment and newcomer services at YMCA of Sudbury have chosen to become the latest members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE).

OPSEU Regional Vice-President Jeff Arbus was very pleased with the result of the July 7 vote.

Unionizing good for workers, good for clients, good for community

“This is great news for these hardworking employees,” he said. “One of the many benefits they’ll enjoy with OPSEU/NUPGE membership is increased job security — something they badly need right now so they can better plan for the future."

“But it’s also good news for the Y and their clients. When working conditions are improved, staff retention is increased — and so is their experience and knowledge. The Y’s reputation as a prominent community partner will be enhanced, while clients will benefit even more from the help they receive," Arbus continued.

Sudbury Y to set example of how to treat workers with respect

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas agreed that the publicly-funded programs offered by the YMCA were essential to the well-being of Ontario’s communities.

“An agency delivering them should be setting an example to the employers they work with by treating their employees with respect,” he said. “We’ll be sitting down with the employer and these employees to make sure their employment conditions are fair."

“I congratulate them for choosing OPSEU/NUPGE,” Thomas continued. “We’re proud of our long track record when it comes to standing up to employers who don’t treat their workers with the respect they deserve."

“The newest members of the OPSEU/NUPGE family can rest assured that we’ll be working as hard for them as they do for the many people in Sudbury who reach out to them for help," said Thomas.

YMCA of Sudbury provides a wide range of programs and services in the greater Sudbury area, including responsive and accessible programs, services and supports. Funding for these programs comes from a number of provincial government ministries.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE