HAMILTON, Ont. – Child protection workers, clerical support, IT and maintenance staff at the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton could be on strike this summer due to management’s unwillingness to resolve outstanding issues in negotiations. The 120 workers, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), have been trying to negotiate a contract with their employer since early March, and will begin their third day of conciliation talks on June 12.
“This has been a long and frustrating bargaining process,” said Karen Cooper, CUPE 1797 spokesperson. “Management’s stalling tactics have to stop or we will be facing a strike that will not benefit anyone.” The workers recently voted 87 per cent to strike if a fair settlement cannot be reached with their employer.
Monetary issues and other contract language improvements remain unresolved. The workers’ last contract expired on March 31, 2007.
“We are hoping that management will take the upcoming conciliation talks seriously,” said Cooper. “Our goal is to reach a fair settlement so we can all focus on the families and children who are in need of our services.”
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For further information, please contact:
Karen Cooper, CUPE 1797 Spokesperson, 905-979-7675
Cheri Dobbs, CUPE National Representative, 905-575-5411
James Chai, CUPE Communications, 416-292-3999