(Oshawa) With a strike deadline of next Wednesday (12:01 a.m., April 26) looming, the status of contract talks between the Durham Childrens Aid Society and CUPE Local 3223 appear to be in limbo.
The union representing 120 workers at Durham CAS says mediated talks aimed at averting a strike ended early this morning, with no clear indication from the employer whether they would even meet again before next Tuesday.
CUPE Local 3223 president Rob Cull says there are several outstanding issues yet to be resolved, including dealing with increased caseloads for CAS workers, contracting out, job security language and wages.
Says Cull, “Were being asked to protect vulnerable children but we need the proper tools to do that. Increased caseloads are like tying our hands behind our backs and asking us to try and do our jobs.”
“With regards to wages”, says Cull, “it hasnt helped that our members just found out the agencys Executive Director received a 9% pay hike this year and hes already part of the $100,000 club.”
“Were also talking about an agency that doesnt seem to have any problem whatsoever dropping $228,000 a year for an optional affiliation to the Ontario Association of Childrens Aid Societies”, says the CUPE president.
For information:
Rob Cull, President, CUPE Local 3223
(905) 987-1148 (h)
John McCracken, CUPE Communications Rep.
(416) 292-3999 (o)