Over a month ago, we took the first step in our fight for accountability at our workplace through filing a Freedom of Information Request (FOI) with the Ministry of Children Community and Social Services. We requested that the most recent workplace assessment conducted by our employer be released in its entirety, as was initially promised.
Earlier this week, we found out that our FOI request could not be fulfilled as the ministry has no record of the report, meaning our employer never submitted it to them. This discovery is deeply troubling for the workers who dedicated their time to participating in the review process and raises serious concerns about the promised oversight of our employer’s commitment to progress.
Something must change.
As workers on the front lines delivering vital services to our communities, we will not stop fighting for the accountability we deserve from our employer. That is why earlier today, we submitted a letter to the Minister of Children Community and Social Services, Michael Parsa, calling on him to take the necessary steps to obtain the final report from Agree Inc. in its entirety and support workers in our request for transparency.
As we have been working on this our employer, along with the YRCAS board are telling members they have union support for their timelines related to the report. This is not true. We agreed to engage and work together to find a solution, we did not, and never will agree to stop advocating, stop questioning, or stop acting for members. If you hear something that doesn’t sit right, reach out to a Local Executive Committee member immediately so we can clarify the facts, and offer support.
We will not be silenced or used to legitimize decisions that harm workers. We know this process has been exhausting and demoralizing for many members. That is exactly why your Local remains firm, visible, and vocal.
Our Local belongs to all of us – and we will continue to speak up, push back, and demand accountability — no matter how uncomfortable that makes the Employer.
In January, we will be launching a letter for all members to sign, demanding the board release the report they promised us – the report built from our voices. We will deliver this letter directly to our employer and show them that together, we are stronger than any attempt to divide, distract, or diminish us.
And since we know the employer is reading this: We will not back down. We will hold you to your word – together.
We will continue to keep members updated as we push the YRCAS Board to do better for frontline workers, the families they serve, and our communities as whole.
In Solidarity,
Kris Weatherall – Local 304
Acting President and First Vice President