OPSEU members at the Maisons de la famille (Family Centres), also known as Groupe Action pour l’enfant, la famille et la communauté de Prescott-Russell, have voted 100% in favour of a strike mandate. All members were present for this unanimous vote on October 19.
Both sides will be meeting in conciliation on October 27.
“The best way to avoid a strike is for the employer to take back some of the horrible things they put on the table,” said OPSEU Staff Representative, Paul Sharkey. “This strike vote is a clear indication that the members stand firm.”
Key issues in negotiations include the employer’s imposition of split shifts and non-consecutive days off. The employer is also demanding the right to move worker positions to different locations, sometimes from one town to another.
Members are using the time before the conciliation date to set up a strike committee and put strike plans in place.
Through the “Fiers de nos enfants” programs at the Maisons de la famille, staff provide support for children aged 0 to 6 and their parents. Offering front-line education and parenting assistance to families in Prescott-Russell County, the OPSEU unit addresses the needs of several different communities.
Worksites include three Maisons de la famille: in Hawkesbury, Embrun, and Rockland. There are also several satellite centres.