TORONTO, March 7, 2012 /CNW/ - More than 70 OPSEU workers at Fred Victor in Toronto could be locked out on Mar. 26 after their employer requested a "no board" report on March 5th.
With a lockout looming the workers, represented by OPSEU Local 509, have announced plans to stage an information picket on Mar. 15, starting at 10:30 a.m., outside the facility located at 145 Queen Street East, where they will press their case for decent jobs and fair wages.
While management is "offering" zeros for improvements to benefits and wages on a proposed four-year contract, the workers say that Fred Victor executive director Mark Aston has enjoyed a 34 per cent wage hike over the past two years, bringing his annual salary to more than $134,000.
"Our members deserve to work in an environment that promotes positive change not only for the people they service, but for themselves as well," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "It is insulting that this employer is denying these hard-working individuals a fair first contract."
In addition to the executive director's bloated salary, the ranks of management officers has swelled at Fred Victor in recent years while workloads have increased for support workers, OPSEU negotiators say.
Fred Victor is a non-profit agency, providing long-lasting and positive change in the lives of the homeless and low-income people living across Toronto. A wide range of programs and services are offered that help each person find the support they need.
Workers at Fred Victor dedicate themselves to innovatively serving people who are experiencing homelessness and poverty. It is their belief that the work environment at Fred Victor should model the dignity their work affords.
Sean Wilson, OPSEU Negotiator 416-443-8888
Suham Khaledi, OPSEU Local 509 President 416-488-0320
Share this article