Workers at Central West Specialized Developmental Services are on strike for a fair contract and an end to intimidation and unsafe working conditions.
For weeks, they’ve lived with the potential of a lockout at any time. In bargaining, these workers have simply been asking for fair wages to catch up after years and years of low increases. Many workers are forced to work second jobs or access food banks to get by. Instead of fairness, they’ve received intimidation to force them to accept a bad offer.
But members of Local 249 are standing strong against bad boss tactics and calling out how management’s tactics have created unsafe conditions for workers and the people they support. They want a fair deal and they need their employer to end reprisals against staff and commit to restoring safe, stable working conditions.
The workers have been on strike since November 19. They remain united for fairness and will continue to raise alarm bells about management’s actions while drawing attention to these critical issues and building support across the community.
Community rally and solidarity pickets
In the first week of the strike, members of Local 249 were joined on the picket line by OPSEU/SEFPO’s President JP Hornick and Vice President-Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell, Executive Board Members, Sector Chairs, neighbouring OPSEU/SEFPO locals, other labour allies, and community members. The message is clear: workers at CWSDS are not standing alone.
On Friday, November 28, workers brought energy and attention to their fight with a creative demonstration on the picket line – highlighting their strike and their stories.
In the media
The strike at CWSDS has received coverage from CBC, CHCH, CityNews, Toronto Star, and more. Members of the bargaining team have spoken directly about why they are on strike and drawn attention to the actions of management that pushed workers to this point.
Local 249 Bargaining Team member Nicole Cousins highlighted how workers were forced to relocate clients ahead of a potential lockout from their employer. Individuals with developmental disabilities were moved from their group homes into CWSDS’s central offices, which created deeply unsafe conditions for clients and staff. Nicole shared how workers were instructed to move clients, despite the incredible distress this caused, and train contract agency workers – non-unionized workers who are often paid double and don’t have the same skills or knowledge of clients.
Family members of individuals in the care of CWSDS have shared their deep concerns and distress about the conditions inside CWSDS and the actions of management.
Show solidarity with striking workers and call on management to make a fair deal now. Join the picket line at 53 Bond St in Oakville.