Workers from Reconnect Mental Health Services in Toronto voted to become the latest members to have the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) represent them. OPSEU now represents more mental health workers than any other union in Ontario.
The new members provide a diverse range of vital community-based mental health services. The workers specialize in areas that include addiction counseling, crisis intervention and housing support. Reconnect services clients within the Greater Toronto area and southern Ontario.
Reconnect plays a major role in the area of community mental health and addictions by providing safe, effective and personalized services. The organization drives innovation to improve services and creates conditions that deliver the highest standard of care.
The workers joining OPSEU include Case Managers, Nurse Case Managers, Mental health workers, Short-term crisis bed workers and Older-addictions Case Managers.
Ed Arvelin, chair of OPSEU's Mental Health Division, said the new members enhance OPSEU’s reputation as the best union for mental health workers. “Members of Reconnect join those of five other mental health agencies that have made OPSEU their union of choice this past year,” Mr. Arvelin said.
OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas welcomed the new members and pledged to champion the trust they had placed in the union. “We truly know and understand the issues that are of particular concern to mental health workers. OPSEU has the expertise and the experience.”
Reconnect ensures public service resources and budgets are used appropriately and effectively to achieve the best outcomes for individuals and the community.