Childcare workers to hold information picket at W. J. Griffis Children's Centre - Community Living Thunder Bay: OPSEU
THUNDER BAY, ON, Feb. 25, 2015 /CNW/ - Childcare workers at W. J. Griffis Children's Centre – Community Living Thunder Bay (CLTB) are holding an information picket on Wednesday, February 25 from 1-2 p.m. OPSEU Local 740 at CLTB filed for conciliation on Wednesday, February 18 after the employer failed to offer a fair contract to its workers.
| What: Information picket |
Community Living Thunder Bay's 14 childcare workers are asking for the community's support as they question why their employer wants them to accept a four-year contract with zero wage increase.
"These workers provide quality care and education for children, including many who have special needs. They deserve a wage that recognizes the important service they provide to the children and their families," said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
Parents pay higher-than-average fees to send their children to this inclusive Montessori-style daycare, and the staff are highly trained. However, the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board says there is no money for a cost-of-living wage increase, and blame the lack of funds provided by the Ministry of Education. The workers believe they are trapped in the middle.
"These childcare workers are proud of the work they do. Families know they can trust and depend on the care their children receive. It is flatly unfair for the employer and the Ministry to show them so little respect," said Local 740 president, Erin Smith-Rice.
Negotiations for a new contract began in March 2014.
SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President: 613-329-1931; Erin Smith-Rice, OPSEU Local 740 President: 807-627-8709, [email protected]; Emily Visser, OPSEU Communications: 416-557-7936, [email protected]
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