(Sydney) Over 100 residential rehabilitation workers with the Autism Society have voted overwhelmingly to go on strike. Contract talks between the Autism Society and CUPE Local 4172 broke off last week. The workers will be in a strike position in August.
Weve been meeting with this employer since March but have gotten no where on some very important issues, says CUPE National Representative Kathy MacLeod. These members provide an important service to some very special people. It is time the employer started to show them the respect they deserve by negotiating a fair and reasonable collective agreement.
The Parties have referred the outstanding matters to conciliation that has been scheduled for late July. Wages and benefits, pensions and job security are the main issues in dispute.
If conciliation is unsuccessful, the workers will be in a legal strike position 14 days after the conciliation officer files their report.
For information:
Kathy MacLeod, CUPE National Representative - (902) 539-4933 (o) - (902) 578-3304 (cell)
Robert Chisholm, CUPE Research Representative - (902) 478-4484 (cell)