Local 249 – Central West Specialized Developmental Services workers announce an immediate strike after more than 40 days in a tenuous lockout position
Oakville – Workers at Central West Specialized Developmental Services (CWSDS), represented by OPSEU/SEFPO Local 249, have initiated immediate strike action after a full day of mediation failed to produce a fair deal.
“The bargaining team came to the table today ready to negotiate a fair deal,” said Julie Geiss, President of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 249. “We care deeply about the people we support and we do not want to see a disruption in services. But after more than 40 days in a potential lockout position, and in the face of ongoing intimidation tactics and no meaningful movement from our employer, the situation has become untenable. We have no choice but to withdraw our labour.”
CWSDS management requested a No Board report in September, which started a countdown to when a lockout can happen. Since then, management have relocated clients, forced a last offer vote, hired contracted agency workers, suspended multiple staff, altered break times, and moved ahead with schedule changes that will mean some workers cannot continue to work at CWSDS. While management has had the authority to lock workers out since October 9, no lockout has yet happened, but the collective agreement is no longer enforceable. In the face of uncertainty and after intimidation and bullying, workers resoundingly voted to give the bargaining team the authority to authorize a strike, if necessary.
At the start of mediation, Local 249 presented a proposal with fair wage increases and a clear path to the working conditions that allow staff to provide safe, consistent care. The proposal also included measures to reverse reprisals taken by the employer since they requested a No Board.
Instead, management came back with proposals that were nearly identical to the offer that workers have already rejected multiple times – including in a recent forced “last offer” vote.
“The employer was unwilling to make meaningful improvements on wages, benefits for mental health, working conditions, or the reversal of reprisals to staff since the No Board was requested,” Julie continued. “Our members have endured years of zero or one percent wage increases. Frontline staff are struggling to make ends meet in a cost-of-living crisis, while CEO Patricia Kyle received a 10 per cent wage increase last year. We deserve fairness and respect, but all we have received is bullying and intimidation. We remain ready to work towards a fair deal.”
Effective immediately, OPSEU/SEFPO Local 249 members are on strike. Strike picket lines will begin on November 20 at 7:00 am at 53 Bond Street.