17 of 34 units have already given negotiators strong strike mandates
Toronto (18 May 2007) - Workers who support people with developmental disabilities picketed the offices of MPPs across Ontario this week to highlight the province’s inadequate response to a funding crisis in their field.
They are calling on the government to increase funding for services. The demonstrations took place in conjunction with Community Living Day.
“Workers and employers agree one of the biggest problems facing developmental services is low wages. Workers in this sector make 25% to 30% less than people in comparable fields,” says Warren (Smokey) Thomas, president of Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE).
“The government announced new funding in the spring budget, but decided to only provide a small portion this year. It doesn’t come close to addressing the serious wage gap that exists. We want to make sure our members can stay on the job and the government needs to do its part,” Thomas says.
The average wage in developmental services is less than $34,000 for full-time workers. Almost two thirds of those in the field are limited to part-time work because of the funding shortfall. Agencies are unable to attract and keep the qualified staff they need.
“For years, highly trained and experienced workers have been walking away from this profession they love to take a job with a better pay cheque,” says Sue Walker, a support worker and chair of OPSEU’s developmental service sector. “Our members have decided this can’t continue. We need to stand up or the quality of services will continue to decline for the people we support.”
Contracts have expired for 34 OPSEU represented agencies. Seventeen have already approved strong strike mandates. The remaining 17 units are preparing for strike votes.
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