On November 4, the Region 4 Provincial Women’s Committee (PWC) held a candle light vigil in Winchester, in support of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 434 members from Naomi’s Family Resource Centre.
The OPSEU/SEFPO Region 4 PWC rep and supporters from the region gathered to light candles and speak in recognition of the essential service the shelter provides to survivors in Eastern Ontario who discover refuge in the shelter.
Dianne Clarabut, Chair of the PWC, spoke at the vigil, along with Region 4 Executive Board Member Chrisy Tremblay, workers from a Brockville Community Shelter, a former resident, and staff from Local 434. The vigil followed a community leaflet rally that took place on November 1 to build community support for the shelter’s workers, who will be in strike/lockout position with their employer as of November 20 (pushed back from November 6). Their contract expired on December 31, 2021, and they have now been in bargaining for nearly a year.
Staff at Noemi’s Family Resource Centre work unreasonably long and demanding hours while supporting survivors. They deserve respect and recognition for their contribution to the Eastern Ontario community.
The PWC stands in solidarity with OPSEU/SEFPO Local 434!
