Yesterday, workers at Central West Specialized Developmental Services (CWSDS) voted resoundingly to reject a forced “last offer” from their Employer. In the final results, 94% of workers cast ballots, with 97% voting to reject the employer’s last offer.
For weeks, workers at CWSDS have faced continued intimidation and uncertainty with a looming potential lockout by their employer, while clients were relocated from their homes without notice.
Management at CWSDS requested a “No Board” report from the Ministry of Labour which started the countdown to when a lockout could take place. As of October 9, management has had the legal ability to lock out workers at any time. The union has not yet taken a strike vote and is not in a legal position to strike.
On September 30, the Employer began moving clients from their group homes and hired agency workers – workers who are being paid significantly more than unionized staff members but who do not have the same expertise and knowledge of client needs. The Employer then requested that the Ministry of Labour conduct a forced “last offer” vote, in an attempt to bypass the bargaining team and force a low wage offer on employees.
In the face of this intimidation and uncertainty, workers at CWSDS have stood strong and remain committed to achieving a fair contract and respect for the important work they do.
“We are committed to achieving a fair deal through negotiations. We are equally committed to our work to advocate for increased funding from the provincial government that will ultimately protect our jobs and the invaluable services provided to individuals supported for years to come,” shared the Bargaining Team in a statement to members of Local 249.
Historic underfunding has resulted in low annual wage increases of 0-1% for several years, leaving many workers working two or three jobs just to survive or accessing resources like foodbanks. Now, workers are standing together to achieve wages keep up with the soaring cost of living. Workers across developmental services have faced further wage suppression as a result of Bill 124.
“Members showed that they are united in standing up for fair wages and respect for the critical supports they provide,” said Jackie Campbell, Chair of OPSEU/SEFPO Developmental Services Sector. “CWSDS workers care deeply about the people they support and the services they provide, but low wages, government underfunding and a cost-of-living crisis are pushing workers to the brink. The services they provide have been undervalued, their jobs have been undervalued and the people they support have been undervalued for far too long.”
While frontline workers have had low wage increases for years, Central West Specialized Developmental Services (CWSDS) CEO Patricia Kyle received a 10% pay increase last year.
OPSEU/SEFPO has called on the Employer to demonstrate leadership by advocating for additional long-term funding for critical services that workers provide. Families have also expressed shared concerns about how chronic underfunding in developmental services hurts both workers and the people we support. Their voices underscore the urgent need for adequate funding and respect for these vital services and the people who rely on them.