OPSEU Local 548 at the Geneva Centre for Autism has begun conciliation with the employer. In a huge show of support for their bargaining team, 98% of the members voted last week in favour of a strike mandate.
The employer is threatening to conduct a temporary layoff of the entire bargaining unit of close to 100 members – a cost-cutting tactic that they have already used once before.
No monetary gains have yet been offered during bargaining and the employer is claiming a deficit, although financial information provided has been minimal and their actual financial position is unclear. With the proposed temporary layoff factored in, the employer’s offer is equal to roughly a 2% pay cut.
With the first day of conciliation now complete, the employer has stalled negotiations until early October.
OPSEU Members at the Geneva Centre provide direct service and community support to people with autism and their families.