OPSEU will now represent a group of women’s shelter workers at Dr. Roz’s Healing Place in Toronto, after a majority voted in favour of joining the union this month.
“On behalf of OPSEU’s entire Executive Board and membership I want to welcome our newest members to the family,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “These workers care for the most vulnerable women and children in our society. They care about protecting others, and OPSEU is here to protect them.”
Dr. Roz’s Healing Place provides safe refuge to abused women and their children and operates as a centre for empowerment and healing that works toward the eradication of violence against women and their children.
“These members’ provide life-changing support for women and children,” said OPSEU First Vice-President/Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida. “They deserve more job stability and better working conditions, so that they can continue to provide excellent service and support to their community.”
“This work is rewarding, but it’s also emotionally exhausting,” said Thomas. “All shelter workers belong in a union, and in the broader labour movement. We are honoured to represent our newest members, and we’ll be right here to support them in bargaining their first-ever collective agreement. Welcome to the OPSEU family.”