Espanola – The union representing 46 support workers at the Espanola and District Association for Community Living (ACL) has asked a provincial conciliator to step in and help avoid a strike. Conciliation talks are scheduled for October 2nd.
“It has been very difficult to negotiate with this employer – they won’t even address basic issues like fair wages, benefits and pensions,” says Anna Sweet, a national representative of the Canadian Union of Public Employees.”
Members previously voted 98 percent in favour of strike action if a collective agreement cannot be reached.
“We care about the services and support we offer our clients,” says Mike Boivin, president of CUPE Local 2462.01. “We will do everything possible to avoid a strike, but we have families to support as well.”
“Our wages have not kept pace with inflation,” says Boivin. “Our work is very stressful and the people who depend on us deserve some stability. That’s why we’re fighting for fair wages – to help retain qualified staff, reduce turnover rates and ensure our clients get all the support they need.”
This predominantly female group of 46 workers offers counselling, support and care for young people and adults with exceptional needs, including developmental and behavioural problems, in group homes and individual housing.
“We’ll be asking our clients’ families and members of the community for support to help us reach a fair collective agreement,” says Boivin. “In many ways, our struggle is their struggle.”
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For further information, please contact:
Anna Sweet, CUPE National Rep.
705-674-7557
Mike Boivin, CUPE 2462.01 President
705-869-0666
Robert Lamoureux, CUPE Communications Rep.
416-292-3999
“It has been very difficult to negotiate with this employer – they won’t even address basic issues like fair wages, benefits and pensions,” says Anna Sweet, a national representative of the Canadian Union of Public Employees.”
Members previously voted 98 percent in favour of strike action if a collective agreement cannot be reached.
“We care about the services and support we offer our clients,” says Mike Boivin, president of CUPE Local 2462.01. “We will do everything possible to avoid a strike, but we have families to support as well.”
“Our wages have not kept pace with inflation,” says Boivin. “Our work is very stressful and the people who depend on us deserve some stability. That’s why we’re fighting for fair wages – to help retain qualified staff, reduce turnover rates and ensure our clients get all the support they need.”
This predominantly female group of 46 workers offers counselling, support and care for young people and adults with exceptional needs, including developmental and behavioural problems, in group homes and individual housing.
“We’ll be asking our clients’ families and members of the community for support to help us reach a fair collective agreement,” says Boivin. “In many ways, our struggle is their struggle.”
-30-
For further information, please contact:
Anna Sweet, CUPE National Rep.
705-674-7557
Mike Boivin, CUPE 2462.01 President
705-869-0666
Robert Lamoureux, CUPE Communications Rep.
416-292-3999