Union makes ‘best possible effort’ to resolve months-long dispute; ‘The ball’s squarely in the employer’s court now,” says CUPE 2316.1 President
The fate of a nearly two months-long strike is now in the hands of the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST), the union representing striking Emergency After Hours Staff (EAHS) said today.
“We have made our best possible effort to break the logjam,” Aubrey Gonsalves, President of Local 2316.1 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 2316.1) said today.
“The ball is squarely in the employer’s court now,” he added.
Gonsalves made the comments after CUPE 2316.1 delivered a comprehensive proposal on a broad range of issues deemed to be of concern to CAST management earlier this week. The union expects a reply on September 29.
“If CAST is serious about ending this dispute and getting children and families the supports they need and deserve, then they need to bring forward a serious offer to settle. It’s a make-or-break day,” said Gonsalves.
Emergency After Hours Staff went on strike on July 27, seeking to protect quality services and improve working conditions.
“We are quickly approaching the second month of this strike,” said Gonsalves, adding that EAHS workers have made a “major effort to address the issues CAST has identified as concerns. It’s time for CAST to make their own efforts to resolve this dispute so our members can return to work and ensure at-risk youth and their families have the support they need around the clock.”
For more information, please contact:
Aubrey Gonsalves
CUPE 2316 President
416-463-5967 Ext. 3
Kevin Wilson
CUPE Communications
416-821-6641