Children's Aid Society workers in Ottawa ratify concessions-free new contract

OTTAWA, Nov. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Children's Aid Society workers in Ottawa represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union have overwhelmingly approved a new four-year contract that features a 5.9 per cent wage increase over the life of the deal but without agreeing to concessions.

"We are delighted by the fact that our members have approved the new contract by a near-unanimous margin and by the fact we were able to reach an agreement without job action," said Chrisy Tremblay, president of OPSEU Local 454 representing more than 350 CAS workers at two locations in Ottawa.

"We have bargained quality public services and guaranteed new permanent positions instead of temporary ones," added Tremblay. "This is probably the best deal in the children's aid sector in the last few years found anywhere in Ontario."

Management and staff reached a tentative agreement last week following 10 days of face-to-face bargaining. The new contract was approved by members of Local 454 this week. The previous agreement expired on Dec. 31, 2011.

Besides the 5.9 per cent wage increase over four years, other highlights of the new contract included improvements to conditions of casual employment, benefits and mileage allowance.

"In this era of cutbacks and austerity the members of Local 454 and their bargaining team deserve a hearty round of applause for negotiating the terms and conditions of their new contract," said OPSEU president Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "They have demonstrated clearly that our members needn't give up concessions and that through tough bargaining we can build strong contracts."

SOURCE: Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Chrisy Tremblay
President, OPSEU Local 454
Tel: [phone]