THUNDER BAY, Ont. William W. Chreighton Youth Services workers, represented by Local 3367 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), have ratified a new collective agreement that includes improvements in benefits, pensions and wages.
We are happy we could negotiate this deal without resorting to a strike that would have disrupted services, said CUPE national representative Charlotte Monardo. This should set an example for North of Superior Programs (NOSP), and show that its possible to negotiate a contract if management take talks seriously and does what it takes to reach a deal that respects workers and their services. NOSP workers, represented by CUPE 3253, have been on strike since June 23, 2004. Their employer has rejected all union proposals to settle the eight-month strike.
Benefit improvements for William W. Chreighton workers include better vision care, clothing allowances and a retirement gratuity at the time of retirement. We were able to negotiate the Multi-Sector Pension Plan for all permanent employees, including part-time employees who work 24 hours a week, said Monardo. The Multi-Sector Pension Plan is a pension plan established by CUPE and SEIU. It provides financial security on retirement for many workers in the social service and other sectors.
CUPE represents 146 workers at the youth detention and custody facility, including social workers, residential workers, cooks, clerical and maintenance staff. Their contract also includes a wage increase and no concessions.
We urge NOSP management to follow this example and get back to the table to settle the eight-month strike, said CUPE national representative Dan Pike. It is possible to reach an agreement if management is willing to sit down and show some respect for workers at the bargaining table.
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For further information, please contact:
Charlotte Monardo, CUPE National Rep - (for Local 3367) – 807-345-1731 – 416-627-5463 (cell)
Dan Pike, CUPE National Rep - (for Local 3253) – 807-345-1731 – 613-293-3535 (cell)
Robert Lamoureux, CUPE Communications - 416-292-3999