Toronto – Workers at Associated Youth Services of Peel (AYSP) have voted 82% in favour of taking strike action if necessary in order to settle a fair contract with their employer. The vote was taken at a well-attended general membership meeting on Thursday, January 25.
AYSP staff joined OPSEU in January, 2017 and have tried to negotiate a first contract with the employer for 16 days without success.
“These workers have delivered a strong message that they expect their employer to come to a fair collective agreement. Strike action is never the first choice, but AYSP staff have shown they will do what is necessary to reach an agreement. They also know they have the full strength of OPSEU backing them up,” said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
Job security is a key demand at the table as restructuring of the organization is causing stress in the workplace. AYSP staff are also asking for a contract with a modest wage increase, and which is on a par with other child treatment workplaces.
“Front-line staff at AYSP have been patient long enough,” said Thomas. “They deserve better than this. They work hard to support children, youth and families in Peel. It’s time for this employer to do the right thing: Bargain a fair contract, and stop making these workers wait.”
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union represents more than 130,000 workers across Ontario.
For more information: Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President: 613-329-1931
Ronnie Banerjee, OPSEU Staff Representative: 416-526-4367