Shortsighted employers are keeping Ontario strike going

'Shocking ignorance of standard back-to-work protocols.' - OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas

Toronto (8 August 2007) - The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) says three "shortsighted employers" have torpedoed weekend agreements to end the strike by developmental services workers in Southern Ontario.

"OPSEU negotiators are frustrated that they were unable to get agreement from employers on a routine back-to-work protocol, including banning reprisals for actions during a strike," says union president Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "This is shocking ignorance of standard back-to-work protocols after a strike or lockout."

Thomas said "retribution" is not what is needed on either side of the dispute. "We need to get people back to work with the people they support and care about – people who need our members," he added.

Negotiators managed to resolve most issues during weekend talks between OPSEU and community living agency employers in Middlesex, London and Chatham-Kent. However, the agreements were stalled by the absence of the normally-routine protocol.

"These employers are forgetting that their job is to support vulnerable individuals," Thomas said. "They are going to have to grow up and start putting people first. Meanwhile I know all our striking members will stay strong on the lines."

Thomas said no union can put its members at risk by agreeing to let them be disciplined for events during a labour dispute. "People don't spend weeks on the line so they can be fired or suspended when they come back," he added.

He also had harsh words for employers over the use of replacement workers. "Shame on any employer that will hire a company that brings in scabs. These companies provoke workers because they have a vested interest in escalating and prolonging strikes," he said.

Close to 1,200 workers at Community Living agencies in London, Middlesex, Elgin, Chatham-Kent, Tillsonburg and Meaford remain on strike.

Workers at Community Living Prince Edward are now in a strike position, but are in mediation. If they go out, it would increase the number of striking workers to about 1,300. Negotiations affecting Tillsonburg employees are scheduled this week. NUPGE

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