PRESCOTT-RUSSELL, ON, Dec. 6 /CNW/ - OPSEU has discovered that the Groupe Action is placing ads for new employees to replace workers who are currently out on strike.
Workers have been on strike since Wednesday morning, November 17 at the Maisons de la famille (Family Centres), also known as Groupe Action pour l'enfant, la famille et la communauté de Prescott-Russell.
"It is outrageous that this employer has taken out ads in the local papers to replace workers who are on the picket line," says OPSEU Staff Representative, Paul Sharkey. "This action demonstrates a complete lack of respect for the hard-working, dedicated staff who run these programs for our communities."
"Hiring scabs will just prolong the strike," said Sharkey. "Rather than hiring scabs, the employer needs to make an honest attempt at coming to an agreement on the issues."
A key issue at the table is the employer's demand to be able to move workers from one town to another on April 1st each year, with no compensation. This imposition will erode continuity in services provided to communities.
Workers are picketing every day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Through the "Fiers de nos enfants" programs at the Maisons de la famille, staff provide support for children aged 0 to 6 and their parents. Offering front-line education and parenting assistance to families in Prescott-Russell County, the OPSEU unit addresses the needs of several different communities.
Worksites include three Maisons de la famille: in Hawkesbury, Embrun, and Rockland. There are also several satellite centres.
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For further information:
Paul Sharkey, OPSEU Staff Representative: 613-222-3450
Emily Visser, OPSEU Communications Officer: 416-557-7936
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