Community Living Greater Sudbury staff vote "yes" for new contract: OPSEU

SUDBURY, ON, April 5, 2013 /CNW/ - OPSEU members at Community Living Greater Sudbury (CLGS) voted in favour of a new contract by a slim margin on Friday, April 5, 2013, narrowly averting a strike. The new agreement is for four years, and will expire in 2016. 

OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas congratulates the members on their new contract, but warns that there continues to be a serious problem with funding for developmental services. 

"OPSEU is committed to pressing the government for decent funding of developmental services well beyond the settling of this contract. People's lives depend on these services," said Thomas. 

"We will also hold this employer to account to improve working conditions and services for the clients OPSEU members care for," Thomas emphasized. 

With more than two thirds of CLGS staff in part-time and casual positions, key issues at the table concerned shift scheduling and allocation of hours. The new contract makes important improvements that will result in better quality of life for workers and clients. 

"Frontline staff at CLGS feel encouraged by the improvements in this new contract. It's been a long and difficult process getting here, but we are looking forward to the positive changes that will result for our clients and the workplace," said June St. Germain, OPSEU Local 676 Bargaining Team Chair. "This is just the beginning. Our members are ready to ensure promised improvements are enforced." 

Key gains at the table also include an education allowance in the first and second years as well as wage increases in the third and fourth years. 

There are more than 230 staff at CLGS, who provide support for people with developmental disabilities in residential group homes, through day programs and a family home program.

SOURCE: OPSEU

June St. Germain, OPSEU Local 676 Bargaining Team Chair:  705-691-2164
Norm Pilon, OPSEU Negotiator:  705-918-5616