Youth Employment Services (YES) workers, OPSEU Local 512, voted 89% in favour of a strike on Monday, June 28. The vote was held after members rejected a tentative settlement on June 11, 2010.
The bargaining team is looking for better wages and health benefits, and is very disappointed by the employer’s unwillingness to improve the contract language.
“We have a strong strike vote,” says bargaining team member Michael Louca. “And we are hoping that will provide the incentive needed to get the employer back to the table.”
The wage increases offered by the employer would see that YES remains the lowest-paid agency in Toronto. This is unacceptable to the bargaining team, who are continuing to demand a better offer. At this time, the employer has refused a request to return to negotiations.
The team has been bargaining since December of 2009.
YES workers provide youth with assistance in getting jobs, training and education.
