The needs of thousands of Torontonians with intellectual disabilities are taking a back seat to efforts to strip basic employment protection from the people who help them live independently in the community, the union representing workers at Community Living Toronto (CLT) said as contract negotiations resumed today.
Negotiations between Local 2191 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents about 1,000 staff, and CLT have been underway for several months in an effort to secure a new collective agreement. The talks resumed this morning with the assistance of a provincially appointed Conciliation Officer.
“It’s critical for CLT to come to the table and get serious about negotiating a fair contract,” said CUPE National Representative Scott Blackhall.
“Our employer has to know that what they’ve put forward thus far couldn’t be taken seriously by our negotiating team because it would strip our members of what few basic protections they have,” he added.
Talks will continue today and Friday.
Blackhall said that, while there is much work to be done, an agreement could be reached.
“Our team is prepared to meet for as long as it takes to reach a collective agreement that is fair to all parties and protects the vital services thousands of Torontonians depend on. But, we need a willing partner across the table from us to get that job done,” he said.
For more information, please contact:
Scott Blackhall, CUPE National Representative, 416-994-6705
Kevin Wilson, CUPE Communications, 416-821-6641