The members of CUPE Local 3083 have been trying to negotiate a new contract with the agency since October, 1999 when their last contract expired. The workers have not had a raise in eight years.
They will be in a legal strike position on April 2 (12:01 a.m.). They hope to be in mediation with the agency before that deadline, in an effort to avoid a disruption in service.
The frontline workers provide day care services at Rolling Hills Childrens Place and services to developmentally disabled children and adults.
Outstanding issues in the dispute include:
- No wage increase in eight years
- Employer demands for concessions to benefits
- Job security language
- Health & Safety issues
- Mileage provisions
In addition, the 100 employees of the Dufferin Association for Community Living have faced serious cuts to their hours of work over the last few years, as a result of restructuring.
CUPE Local 3083 is launching a public information campaign across Dufferin County, to highlight the issues in the dispute. They will be using the slogan, “Dufferin ACL Support WorkersWere Worth It!”
For information:
John McCracken, CUPE Communications Rep.
(416) 292-3999 (o)
Lorraine Radke, Spokesperson, CUPE Local 3083
(905) 880-7066 (h)