October 22, 2012
40 workers at Elizabeth Fry Toronto have ratified a new
collective agreement, after a long bargaining process that narrowly avoided a
work stoppage at midnight Sunday.
“Congratulations to all of the members of this local who fought so hard to
defend the quality public services they offer their community. This is a great
example of how OPSEU is defending public services one contract at a time,” said
OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
“We sent our employer a strong message about what we are willing to tolerate,
and what we think we are worth,” said Bargaining Team Chair, Jaime McGuire.
The new agreement includes a wage increase of three per cent over the next three
years, as well as a signing bonus, automatic conversion of contract positions
without an incumbent to permanent positions after 12 months, and the ability to
have a union representative present when filing a harassment and discrimination
complaint against management.
“With the support we received we were able to stay strong, hopeful and
positive,” said Bargaining Team members McGuire, Hilda Namu and Lorraine
McKellar. “Thanks to everyone who stood in solidarity with us.”
