Workers at Central West Specialized Developmental Services (CWSDS) have been out on strike for ten weeks, walking the picket line for respect, dignity, safe working conditions, and fair wages.
Members at OPSEU/SEFPO Local 249 were pushed to strike because of their employer’s aggressive tactics and refusal to negotiate a fair contract. Workers are clear: they want to get the people they support back to their group homes, where they can be in a stable environment and receive high-quality care from workers who know them and their needs.
On January 16, the Bargaining Team and the Employer returned to mediation, with the support of a Ministry of Labour-appointed mediation officer. The Bargaining Team came to the table prepared to negotiate and showed real movement to get closer to a deal. However, the employer did not come to the table ready to negotiate or even respond to the union’s last proposal, despite a week between meetings. After a full day of mediation, the employer’s proposal over a 6-year deal only changed by a total of 0.25%.
Workers at Central West Specialized Developmental Services need to be able to care for themselves so they can care for others. Fair wages are about stability and quality care.
For years, wages at CWSDS stagnated while cost-of-living soars. Wages aren’t even keeping up with similar roles in similar developmental services agencies, leaving workers struggling to make ends meet, or pushing workers to leave. The work that members of Local 249 do is highly skilled and requires training and strong relationships. It deserves respect.
While workers struggle, CWSDS CEO Patricia Kyle is spending millions on consultants and wasting thousands of dollars a day on private security and contracted staffing agencies. Financial reports also show Patricia Kyle gave herself a 9.99% raise in 2024 – all while refusing to bargain a fair deal with workers. And while Patricia Kyle and the Board of Directors minimize and dismiss the real safety risks inside facilities at 53 Bond Street, the reality is clear. A client died in care and numerous safety incidents have shown that everything is not okay. People are not thriving and adapting as the CEO states in communications to families. Workers know the reality of their jobs, and the value of the relationships they have with the people they support. Management’s decision to carelessly relocate individuals and disrupt their routines was made long before workers went on strike.
Even out on the picket line, workers are facing continued bullying and intimidation from their employer. In January, members delivered letters to the homes of CWSDS Board Directors, urging them to act and to be accountable for the decisions they have made. Instead of a response, workers received more threats of reprisal from their employer.
Shame on CEO Patricia Kyle and shame on the Board of Directors. It’s time to get to a fair deal now!