First settlement announced in developmental services strike

Tillsonburg workers settle while other groups remain out

Toronto (10 August 2007) - The first break in Ontario's protracted strike by underpaid developmental services workers was announced Thursday following a negotiated settlement covering employees of Community Living Tillsonburg.

The members of Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) reached the agreement with the help of a mediator.

OPSEU president Warren (Smokey) Thomas described the breakthrough as a sign of good faith on both sides.

“Our members would like to see the same kind of good faith on the part of employers in London, Elgin, Middlesex and Chatham. There is a lot of pressure on these employers to just get over their personal feelings and get people back to work,” Thomas said.

Meanwhile, approximately 150 employees with Community Living Prince Edward (CLPE) joined the strike earlier in the week, bringing the total number off the job to more than 1,300.

The overriding issue in all of the disputes is wages. Prince Edward employees earn 25% to 30% less than those performing the same work elsewhere in the region.

Patti Markland, negotiating team chair, says CLPE removed company vehicles from residential facilities and ejected staff prematurely from residential facilities, leaving some of the people they support in tears. Locks at 17 work locations were changed while contract talks were still in progress, she said.

Community Living Prince Edward provides support to about 500 people with intellectual disabilities (and their family members). Clients include those living in residential settings (requiring 24-hour support) as well as those who live independently but get some support and others in respite care, day support, family networking, support groups and other programs.

The employees have been working without a contract since March 31. NUPGE