Frustrated and disappointed by an employer whose contract “offer” amounted to little more than take-aways and concessions, workers at Interim Place in Mississauga represented by OPSEU Local 518 have filed for conciliation.
“We are deeply discouraged that we find ourselves filing for conciliation,” said Sue Dafoe, an OPSEU negotiator representing 45 workers at Interim Place. The community agency provides shelter and support to women and children who find themselves in abusive relationships.
“We spent five days on non-monetary issues where the employer insisted on concessions. Now the employer turns around and says they’re very disappointed that we’ve filed for conciliation,” said Dafoe. “It’s the only path left available to us if we want to salvage anything from these negotiations.”
OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas agreed that Local 518 had no alternative but to call in the services of a conciliator.
“Our members have reached into their toolbox and know that a conciliator can get some progress going. I applaud them for their action,” he said.
The two sides last met on May 15. No further talks are scheduled until after a conciliator is appointed by the Ministry of Labour.
On May 28 members of Local 518 voted 100 per cent in favour of strike action unless a deal can be reached in bargaining. Their current contract expired on March 31, 2014.
More information:
Sue Dafoe, OPSEU Negotiator, 416-523-6260