Today, striking workers at Central West Specialized Developmental Services (CWSDS), members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 249, escalated action on the picket line, shutting down intersections near facilities at 53 Bond St in Oakville. They are calling on management to get the people they support back to their homes before the holidays.
For weeks, workers and families whose loved ones were relocated from their group homes have raised the alarm about the level of care currently being provided at the facility.
“This move effectively re-institutionalized people who were thriving in group homes. We want to get them home and our members want to get back to work,” shared Julie Giess, President of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 249. “We went on strike after weeks in an untenable situation where our members faced intimidation, reprisals, and unsafe conditions while being forced to train temporary agency workers who don’t know the people we support like we do.”
“Management and the Board of Directors bear responsibility for actions that have created unsafe conditions and a toxic work environment. They can act to resolve this,” said JP Hornick, President of OPSEU/SEFPO. “Prioritize quality care and respect workers. Members are here today putting themselves on the line because they are worried about the safety and wellbeing of their clients.”
While workers’ wages have stayed stagnant – forcing many to work multiple jobs to make ends meet – CEO Patricia Kyle received a 10% wage increase last year and spending on “consultants and professional fees” skyrocketed to over $3 million.
“We entered bargaining simply asking for fair wage increases,” added Julie. “Instead, we received bullying and intimidation. There is a clear pathway to end the strike and get people home.”
An exploratory meeting between the Employer, Bargaining Team and Conciliation Officer last week (where CEO Patricia Kyle was notably absent) resulted in no momentum towards a deal. Workers want to reach a fair settlement, an end to reprisals and bullying, and to restore working conditions. They urge management and the board to act now and return to bargaining.
Over 240 OPSEU/SEFPO members at Central West Specialized Developmental Services provide critical care and support in group homes and programs such as respite services, which have been closed since residents were relocated. They have been on strike since November 19.