Maisons de la famille strike vote set for October 19

OTTAWA, Oct. 14 /CNW/ - OPSEU members of local 426 at Maison de la famille, also known as Groupe Action pour l'enfant, la famille et la communauté de Prescott-Russell, will hold a strike vote on October 19, 2010. 

After three bargaining sessions, negotiations have moved into conciliation. 

"This employer has put forward some terrible proposals," said OPSEU Staff Representative, Paul Sharkey. "For example, they want to be able to unilaterally change a member's workplace to another town, with no compensation. This is unacceptable."  

In addition, the employer is trying to have the ability to schedule non-consecutive days off and split shifts.  

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 seven-member local 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 416-557-7936