GIL workers set Nov. 13 strike deadline

GUELPH, ON, Oct. 20 /CNW/ - Staff with Guelph Independent Living have filed notice with the Ontario Labour Relations Board that they intend to walk off the job Nov. 13 unless they are able to reach a tentative agreement with their employer.

"Negotiations are going nowhere," said Laura Webster, president of Local 203 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union which represents about 75 workers at GIL. "We can't believe they found a way to offer us less than a zero increase in wages and benefits.

"We're already underpaid when compared to others doing similar work in the region, so this so-called offer was completely unacceptable."

In a related development, Local 203 has filed an unfair labour practice complaint with the OLRB accusing the employer of attempting to undermine the union's activities during collective bargaining by using third-party agents to spread unfounded allegations to members and to infiltrate a community forum sponsored by OPSEU on Oct. 7.

In the first instance, the union alleges, the employer used an employee to deliver notices to staff warning them against the prospects of unionization. In the second instance, the employer dispatched an individual to the community forum where the person, who refused to identify themselves in public at the meeting, asked a series of questions intended to undermine the union and interfere with its ability to represent its members, according to Local 203.

GIL staff work with people with physical disabilities and the elderly. They voted to join the Ontario Public Service Employees Union in October, 2009, and have been in negotiations with management since January, 2010. 

For further information:

Laura Webster
President Local 203
519-830-1259