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Developmental service workers continue to press for decent working conditions through bargaining.
Toronto (15 Dec. 2011) - Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) who work at Montage Support Services voted 100 per cent in favour of strike action if the employer refuses to offer a fair contract at the bargaining table.
The employer has proposed a large reduction to the payment of benefit premiums for full-time workers, unreasonable increases in probationary periods for new hires, language that would dismiss a worker for missing a single shift and increasing the length of time that discipline can be imposed. The Union is asking for pay equalization for its members who do equal amounts of work and only very small wage increases to offset the cost of living.
The Developmental Service Sector in general is seriously under-funded and the workforce is becoming less of a career and more a series of part-time jobs. Many of the members must work two or more jobs as they are only able to secure part-time work with this employer while full time positions are not being filled once they are vacated.
The bargaining team has the full support of the membership to get a fair deal for its members, Bargaining will resume in the new year.
More information:
Developmental Services: Fund Quality Programs Now!
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 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