Negotiators for 435 frontline administrative and support workers at the Children’s Aid Society of the Region of Peel (Peel CAS) have rejected what the employer has characterized as their ‘final offer.’
“What Peel CAS has called their ‘final offer’ does not meet the needs of our members. Period. Full stop,” said Sonia Yung, President of Local 4914 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 4914).
“We had made progress in resolving a number of issues through bargaining, and our bargaining committee was surprised and disappointed when Peel CAS presented their final offer,” she added.
The two sides met for nearly 12 hours on Wednesday, aided by a provincially-appointed mediator.
Yung said the CUPE 4914 bargaining committee will update members later this week, prior to an upcoming lockout or strike deadline.
“We have an obligation to share with our members the reasons why we have chosen to reject Peel CAS’ last offer, and where we collectively go from here,” said Yung.
While the deadline for a lockout or strike is 12:01 a.m. Saturday, September 17, CUPE 4914 has committed not to initiate strike action prior to 12:01 a.m., Sunday, September 18.
Yung said the CUPE 4914 bargaining committee remains on call and available to bargain prior to the deadline.
“We are always available to bargain, provided Peel CAS is ready to get serious and stop putting vital services and supports to the children and families of Peel region at risk. We can’t bargain a settlement alone,” she added.
For more information, please contact:
Sonia Yung
CUPE 4914 President
416-889-9998
Kevin Wilson
CUPE Communications
416-821-6641