CUPE National President Paul Moist joined 22 members of Local 4989 on their picket line this morning in Pembroke. The Ontario Works employees have been on strike for seven weeks, fighting against employer concessions.
“Your strike is incredibly important for the delivery of social services in Renfrew County. And, it is incredibly important to all CUPE members.”
CUPE 4989 was also joined today by members of Locals 1502, 3022, 2198 and 5088, as well as Brian Dougherty, NDP provincial candidate for Renfrew in the last provincial election.
The employer is trying to take away benefits that other workers for the County have as part of the conditions of employment. With climbing caseloads, CUPE 4989 members rely on their benefits to remain healthy in order to provide these services and they deserve a fair contract.
“This is a clear indication of the County’s disregard for these services. CUPE will do everything we can to ensure a good collective agreement is negotiated and your strength on the line will get us back to the table,” said Moist.
The members of CUPE 4989 deliver social assistance to approximately 1,100 clients monthly in the County of Renfrew. They remain committed to providing services to their communities, but also remain committed to reaching a settlement that protects those services and the people who deliver them.