Workers at Central West Specialized Developmental Services in Oakville, who have been on strike for ten weeks, took their message directly to the Ford government today with a rally outside the Ontario PC Convention.
Their message was clear: the Ford government’s chronic and deliberate underfunding of developmental services is putting quality care at risk.
More than 240 workers, represented by OPSEU/SEFPO Local 249, have been walking the picket line for ten weeks for respect, dignity, fair pay and the ability to provide safe, high-quality care.
“Workers in developmental services do critical care and support work in communities every single day,” said Julie Geiss, President of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 249. “But too many of us are struggling, working second jobs to make ends meet. We need our employer to work with us to get a fair deal, but we also need this government to step up and fund this important work. If they don’t, workers are going to continue to struggle, more people will leave these jobs, and the people we support will lose the dedicated and stable care they deserve.”
The actions of management at CWSDS – combined with ongoing provincial underfunding –have created unsafe conditions and pushed both staff and the people they support to the brink.
“While the provincial government talks about ‘Protecting Ontario,’ these workers are the ones protecting vulnerable people in our communities every day,” said JP Hornick. “If the Ford government wants to protect Ontarians, they must invest in critical community and social services and the workers who provide them.”
Workers at OPSEU/SEFPO Local 249 were also joined by members in the Worth Fighting For campaign, including other developmental services workers.