Hamilton CCAC workers vote to become members of OPSEU

Ballot related to Ontario health care legislation

Hamilton (3 May 2007) - The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) continues to attract new groups of employees seeking strong representation in collective bargaining with their workplaces.

Office and clerical employees of the Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Brant Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) held a celebration after voting in favour of joining OPSEU, the largest public sector union in the province.

The vote came about as a result of a CCAC merger caused by the province’s legislation involving Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs). The employees were asked to choose among three unions - OPSEU, the Ontario Nurses Association (ONA) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

“This is a great day for these employees,” said OPSEU president Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

“We welcome these members into the OPSEU family, and look forward to representing them in their workplaces. We thank our members and staff who worked on this campaign,” Thomas said. “It was their tireless efforts and dedication that made this such a success.”