Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) local 355 have filed for conciliation because management maintains that the province’s wage freeze applies to workers at Kinark Child and Family Services.
The union and workers have been bargaining since October 2011, but management refuses to offer meaningful monetary increases even though other agencies with the same funding sources have done so.
“Management needs to be fair,” says OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “If there is enough money for multiple Kinark managers to appear on the Sunshine List, there should certainly be more than nearly zeroes for these dedicated workers.”
Local 355 President Shannon Van Dyk says the employer needs to reconsider its position.
“As committed, loyal workers, we have tried to stress to the employer the importance of valuing their employees as much as the employees value their work with children and families.
The bargaining team returns to the table with a conciliator in April 2012. Kinark workers provide mental health programs and supports to children and youth and their families in communities across southern Ontario.
For more information please contact:
Denise Near, OPSEU Staff Representative 1-800-268-7376