TORONTO — Trouble is looming at Hester How Daycare Centre, located in Toronto’s city hall, where a strike/lockout deadline has been set for midnight Wednesday, August 30th.
“We negotiated a tentative agreement that our members accepted even though it fell short on some key issues,” said Janet Tiebo, coordinator of CUPE 2484 representing about 15 care providers at the centre. “We were shocked when the board of directors rejected the settlement.”
A “no-board” report was issued by the conciliator on August 14, triggering the strike/lockout deadline of August 30. A conciliation meeting has been scheduled for that day, however, Hester How management has already surveyed parents about bringing in replacement workers.
“For child care providers who hear there may be temporary work at Toronto city hall, I have one message: don’t be a scab,” Tiebo said. “There’s an important principle at stake here for workers who are often expected to perform above and beyond the call of duty.”
The outstanding issue concerns compensation for unpaid, on-call lunches that are required to maintain staffing ratios in the centre.
“Our members are dedicated care providers who do not want to strike,” Tiebo said. “But, they also feel they must make a stand for respect and fairness.”
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For more information, contact:
Janet Tiebo, CUPE 2484 Coordinator, 416-832-6120
Dan Pike, CUPE National Representative, 416-292-3999 ext 258
Pat Daley, CUPE Communications, 416-616-6142 (cell)