Social service and mental health workers with North of Superior Programs in Northwestern Ontario walked off the job on Saturday, June 26th, to fight for fair wages.
The 36 members of CUPE 3253 have not had a wage increase in years and were faced with a final contract offer with no wage increase beyond a signing bonus the workers called a slap in the face.
We will picket offices all over the north shore of Lake Superior, says Diane Atkinson, CUPE 3253 spokesperson. From Marathon and Manitouwadge, to Schreiber-Terrace Bay, Nipigon, Geraldton, Longlac and Nakina, our members are united and determined to get a fair wage increase and put an end to the disrespect our employer has shown us.
With support from CUPE National Communications, the Local is appealing to residents to contact elected representatives to urge them to get involved and resolve this dispute.
The most vulnerable members of our society are being left out yet again, says Atkinson. Its time adequate funding flowed to these essential services and our fight is very much about securing a brighter future for the people we care for.