Community Living Prince Edward draw close to strike deadline: OPSEU

BELLEVILLE, ON, Oct. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - Staff at Community Living Prince Edward (CLPE) could be on strike as early as Saturday, Oct 27, 2012.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union representing staff at CLPE is in mediation talks on Friday October 26 in an effort to avert a strike or lockout by the employer.

"It is time for this employer to get back to the table with a reasonable offer for these workers. Nobody believes that hiring more managers is the best way to provide quality services," said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

"Scheduling issues and fair wages are of great concern to our members," said OPSEU Local 448 President Patti Markland. "We provide quality supports and services in the Prince Edward community, and deserve to be compensated at the same level as people doing the same work in comparable work places."

The employer has cancelled accreditation plans for the agency.

"We have been given clear indication that negotiating a fair collective agreement is not in the cards and a lockout is on the horizon," said Markland. "Why else would they call off their accreditation process? They've poured a lot of resources into those plans."

The most recent contract expired March 31, 2011.

Workers at Community Living Prince Edward provide services to more than 400 people living with disabilities.

SOURCE: OPSEU

Patti Markland, OPSEU Local 448 Bargaining Team Chair: [phone]
Tracy More, OPSEU Negotiatior: 416-443-8888 ext 8702