Maisons de la famille strike set for Wednesday as talks break down

PRESCOTT-RUSSELL, ON, Nov. 16 /CNW/ - After two days of bargaining talks have broken down at the Maisons de la famille (Family Centres), also known as Groupe Action pour l'enfant, la famille et la communauté de Prescott-Russell.

Workers will be on strike as of Wednesday morning, November 17.

"The union team tried all avenues to come to a deal" said OPSEU Staff Representative, Paul Sharkey.  "However the employer was intransigent over key issues."

"The employer has threatened to shut down locations if clients are lost due to a strike," said Sharkey. "This kind of behaviour at the bargaining table is not acceptable."

OPSEU calls on the Board of Directors of Groupe Action to intervene. "Yves Séguin, the General Director, should not be permitted to single-handedly cause an end to negotiations," said Sharkey. "The Board must intervene and ensure that there is an immediate return to the table."

The key issue at the table is the employer's demand to be able to move workers from one town to another at its own whim, with no compensation. This imposition will also erode continuity in services provided to communities.

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.

For further information:

Paul Sharkey, OPSEU Staff Representative: 613-222-3450

Emily Visser, OPSEU Communications Officer: 416-557-7936