CUPE Local 966 Ontario Works workers ask Peel residents to contact new council to solve security concerns and avoid a strike
PEEL REGION, ON – The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 966, representing 466 Ontario Works workers in Peel Region, is meeting with a Ministry of Labour conciliator December 6; to achieve a fair contract after talks with management failed so far to reach a collective agreement.
The union has been in negotiation since this summer and held a strike vote in early October with 93 per cent of members giving a strike mandate to their bargaining team. “We will do our best to reach a settlement in conciliation if management makes an effort to address our security concerns,” said Mary-Jo Falle, president of CUPE 966.
At issue are many security complaints ignored by management, who want to restructure operations unilaterally. “We are fed up with an employer who doesn’t take our security concerns seriously; this is unacceptable,” said the President of CUPE 966.
“We are trying to alleviate any disruption on the most vulnerable people that we are servicing; this is the reason why we urge residents to contact the mayor’s office and their councillors. They should get involved to solve rapidly the numerous security concerns of our members and to direct management to offer a settlement to prevent a strike,” she concluded.
For more information:
Mary-Jo Falle, CUPE 966 President: 905-502-6599
Helen Gibb-Gavel, CUPE National Representative: 905-242-4207 (cell)
Christian Martel, CUPE Communications Representative: 647-270-6775 (cell)