On Thursday, September 28, the members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 454 at the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa, gathered for a rally to call for increased worker safety, better wages, and improved working conditions.
The rally took place outside the offices of The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa between 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m.
The rally was well attended with 100 members speaking out against ministry cuts and the plight of overworked members.
The rally was organized due to the severe workload crisis faced by the workers at The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa, which are a direct result of funding cuts, understaffing, and neglect by the Ford Conservative government.
The working conditions of CAS Ottawa staff in OPSEU/SEFPO Local 454 are vitally important as they directly impact the quality of care provided to Ottawa’s most vulnerable children. Addressing these issues is crucial for the well-being of both the workers and the children who rely on them.
Members were led by Local 454 President Michele Thorn, Alisha Parks and others from the local through some loud and proud chanting.
The message was loud and clear: workers at the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa are tired of being overworked!
Notable speakers included Thorn and Sean McKenny, president of the Ottawa and District Labour Council.
The event also saw participation from OPSEU/SEFPO Region 4 Regional Vice-President Melissa Coenraad, Executive Board Member Chrisy Tremblay, and members of OPSEU/SEFPO’s retirees division. CUPE Lanark County local president and members from local 499, 4101, and 405 were also present to extend their support.
This rally served as a call to the public to reach out to The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa’s Board Chair, Deborah Tunis, and the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, Michael Parsa, urging them to address pressing staff concerns like safety and burnout.
OPSEU/SEFPO Local 454 will continue to push for fair pay, better wages, and improved working conditions to protect the well-being of the workers and the children who rely on them!
Pay Fair, Protect Children!
