OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas will be attending a noon-hour rally in Owen Sound on Wednesday, June 27, to urge the doctors who own the Family Health Organization to offer their workers the decent wages they deserve.
- What: Rally to support the striking workers at the Family Health Organization
- Who: Guests to include OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas, along with a number of Owen Sound labour leaders
- When: Wednesday, June 27 at noon (rally runs from 11 am to 2 pm)
- Where: 1415 1st Ave. West, Owen Sound
“These OPSEU members are as skilled and dedicated as any health care workers in the community,” said Thomas. “They deserve to be paid the same as other health care workers doing the same kind of work.
“It’s time for the doctors who own the facility to get back to the table with a fair offer.”
More than 30 members of OPSEU Local 276 working at the Family Health Organization as nurses, secretaries, and custodians have been on strike since May 22. They have gone years without raises and make less than similar workers at other community health care clinics in the area.
“The doctors who own this clinic obviously have a lot to learn about running a good workplace,” said OPSEU First Vice-President / Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida. “It’s not complicated: treat your employees fairly and they’ll work wonders for you.”
Since the strike began, the Local 276 members have received widespread support from the community.
“People and businesses in Owen Sound recognize the value of the work these members do,” said Thomas. “Why don’t the doctors?”