Closing the Gap workers choose OPSEU

OWEN SOUND, ON, June 17, 2016 /CNW/ - Some 60 community health care professionals with Closing the Gap Healthcare are the newest members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). The workers opted for OPSEU in a vote held yesterday.

Lucy Morton, OPSEU chair for Community Health Care Professionals, was very pleased with the result of the vote. "I'm really happy for the workers at Closing the Gap for choosing a better way – for choosing to speak with one voice and stand in solidarity with their fellow workers and with thousands of other union members across the province.

"This is a great day for them, it's a great day for their clients, and it's a great day for OPSEU. We're delighted to have them with us."

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas said it was a privilege to be able to represent Closing the Gap employees, who do so much to promote health care in their community and enhance the lives of those in need of it.

"I'm grateful these hardworking health care professionals have put their trust in OPSEU, just as their clients put their trust in them. They can be confident that we will do our utmost to ensure their rights in the workplace are respected and upheld, and that their skills and dedication are adequately and appropriately recognized.

"My thanks go out to the organizing staff, who always go the extra mile to help ensure workers are given a voice in their workplace. And on behalf of the 130,000 members of the OPSEU family, I bid our newest members a very warm welcome."

Closing the Gap Healthcare provides services in homes, schools, workplaces, long-term care homes, hospitals and clinics throughout Ontario. The new members of OPSEU include physiotherapists, physiotherapist assistants, occupational therapists, dietitians, speech language pathologists, social workers, physical therapy/occupational therapy assistants, and office administration employees.

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Lucy Morton, 905-317-9464