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TORONTO Talks between management and the union representing full-time and relief workers at shelters operated by Evas Initiatives have broken off, making a lockout or strike possible by mid-July.

Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 4358.02, representing about 60 workers, asked the conciliator to issue a no board report after negotiations reached an impasse. The workers are trying to win a first collective agreement.

A major outstanding issue is the question of a wage increase retroactive to the date of certification, which took place more than two years ago.

These members have waited more than two years for an agreement and the employer has not even offered a signing bonus, said CUPE National Representative Lorne Trevors. To make matters worse, they are trying to take away existing benefits.

Evas Initiatives operates three shelters in Toronto, which house 122 youth each night. Staff offer emergency and transitional housing, harm reduction services to address drug and alcohol use, counselling, employment and training programs, housing support and services to reconnect youth with their families.

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For more information, contact:
Lorne Trevors, CUPE National Representative, 416-271-6086 (cell)
Pat Daley, CUPE Communications, 416-616-6142 (cell)