CUPE Local 3440, representing workers at the Kirkland Lake Association for Community Living, walked off the job on September 6 to fight for job security, a pension plan and drug benefits.
The predominantly female local of 88 members joins their sisters and brothers from the Fort Frances ACL, on strike since May 9.
We did everything we could to avoid a strike while negotiating with a very stubborn employer, says CUPE representative Joanne Breton. Issues like job security and a drug and pension plan are important to our members, and were not willing to compromise on these basic rights.
Negotiations with social service locals in Ontario continue to be difficult as funding cuts from the provincial government hit our members hard.