Workers at the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation, WECHC, have voted 96% in favour of strike action, as years of record inflation have continued to eat away at member wages and the cost of living continues to increase.
“This near-unanimous vote in favour of job action is an amazing showing of solidarity and strength, and a clear signal to the employer that workers need real, substantial wage increases in order to meet the pressures being faced from high inflation and a once-in-a-generation cost of living crisis,” said CUPE 543 President David Petten. CUPE 543 represents the workers at the WECHC. “Too many of our members are struggling to make ends meet, and this vote shows that they are willing to stand together to fight for fair wages.”
Workers at the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation help to administer, maintain, and repair affordable housing in Windsor and Essex County. Many regularly experience poor working conditions and find themselves exposed to health and safety issues that have repeatedly gone unaddressed by the employer.
With a strong mandate, Petten said he hopes the local will be able to resume negotiations with the employer and reach a fair agreement before any strike action is necessary.
“Workers have sent a clear message to the employer- it’s time to come back to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair agreement that addresses the cost-of-living pressures and poor working conditions our members are facing,” Petten said.