Arrell Youth Centre workers holding info picket over health plan cuts
HAMILTON, ON, April 25, 2018 /CNW/ - The 60 members of OPSEU Local 216 at Arrell Youth Centre will be holding an information picket tomorrow at noon to stop cuts to their health plan.
WHAT: Information picket by the members of OPSEU Local 216, Arrell Youth Centre
WHEN / WHERE: Wednesday April 25 at 12 p.m. at 688 Queensdale Ave. East, Hamilton.
WHY: The employer is demanding the workers take a cut to their health plan, which could force a lock-out as early as Saturday, April 28.
"Day in and day out, these OPSEU members put themselves in harm's way to keep our communities safe and to make sure that our youth receive the best possible care and rehabilitation," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
"They deserve better health coverage, not health coverage that takes more money out of their pockets."
Arrell Youth Centre is a residential detention centre in Hamilton that provides secure custody and program services for up to 16 male youth. It is currently operating at capacity. The members of Local 216 have been without a contract since April 1, 2017.
Late last month, the members voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer from the employer that would have forced them to pay 20 per cent more for their health coverage. That contract offer would also have kept the lowest-wage employees below the 2019 minimum wage of $15 an hour.
Earlier this month, the employer asked for "no board", ending negotiations. A lock-out could begin as early as Saturday, April 28.
"As a Correctional Officer, I know the kind of toll this line of work can take on you," said OPSEU First Vice-President / Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida. "As a proud Hamiltonian, I'm outraged that this employer would take such a hard-line on the health plan. They should be ashamed of themselves."
Thomas said all 155,000 members of OPSEU are standing with the members of Local 216. "They have my full support, and the full support of this great union."
SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)
OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas: 613-329-1931; OPSEU First Vice-President / Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida: 289-439-2135
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