Canadian Mental Health Association-Oxford sets strike deadline

OXFORD, ON, Sept. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Local 133 at the Canadian Mental Health Association-Oxford (CMHA-Oxford) will be in a strike or lockout position on Saturday, October 6 at 12:01 a.m.

"We expect this employer to take the opportunity of mediation to turn things around," said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "Workers at CMHA-Oxford have gone far too long without a contract."

Conciliation resulted in an unacceptable offer, and OPSEU's bargaining team filed a no board report on September 7, 2012. Workers have been without a contract for more than 17 months.

The local gave their bargaining team a strong strike mandate with a 97% vote. Members also voted 97% against the employer's proposed four year "Global Comprehensive Offer" which failed to meet industry norms.

The parties have agreed to mediation scheduled for Friday, October 5.

"We are calling on Executive Director, Mike McMahon to join us at the mediation table," said Local President, Tischa Forster. "We do not wish to engage in a labour dispute action that would create any service disruptions to the vulnerable clients we serve in the Community of Oxford. It is time for this employer to value their staff."

"We expect a fair and reasonable deal in keeping with our comparators," said Forster.

CMHA-Oxford staff are regulated health care professionals who perform highly sensitive and intensive work with people suffering from serious mental illness and addiction.

SOURCE: OPSEU

Tischa Forster, Local President: 519-777-596 (c)
Carol Warner, OPSEU Negotiator: 519-777-5969 (c)