The CAS PDT met for three days on April 5th, 14th and 15th. All 4 unions (CUPE, OPSEU, CEP and Simcoe ea) confirmed their commitment to these discussions. The Employers Group indicated that 91% (40 of 44 agencies) that responded to a recent survey have indicated that they are in support of the Provincial Discussion Table. Also present for these discussions were representatives from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and the Labour Relations Secretariat – Ministry of Government Services. These discussions were facilitated by the Ministry of Labour.
The parties reached agreement on the "CAS Provincial Discussion Table Parameters.’
The parties have agreed that the purpose of the CAS Provincial Discussion Table (CAS PDT) is to explore the areas of systemic mutual interest, increase labour stability in the child welfare sector during a time of change and create an environment that facilitates sustainable quality service.
Discussions have begun regarding systemic challenges within the sector and topics to include at the table. All parties were encouraged by the talks thus far and they can best be categorized as exploratory in nature.
The talks will resume on May 4th, 5th and 6th. We will keep you posted as these discussions unfold.
The unions are continuing to ask Locals not to move to impasse on local bargaining issues to allow these CAS PDT discussions to unfold.
Furthermore, if you require any clarification regarding the CAS PDT process please contact the respective PDT table contact listed below.
Contacts for employer and labour unions are as follows:
Employer: Terry Daly [email protected]
CUPE: Kathy Johnson [email protected]
OPSEU: Tracy More [email protected]
CEP: Josephine Petcher [email protected]
Simcoe CAS ea: Steve Rainy [email protected]
