Media Advisory - Child and youth workers at Craigwood to tell Board enough is enough

LONDON, ON, March 23, 2012 /CNW/ - Workers are holding an information picket outside Craigwood Youth Services Head Office on Monday, March 26, 2012 to support ongoing bargaining. As board members arrive for a meeting, they will be hearing the workers' side of the story.

When:	Monday, March 26
Time:	5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where:	Craigwood Head Office
	520 Hamilton Road
	London, ON

Workers voted 93% against the employer's offer, which included zero wage increases over four years as well as concessions to benefits. Workers have been without a contract since the end of August 2010.  

"These workers have high-stress jobs in an environment that requires skill and professionalism. They deserve respect and a fair contract," said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas.  

"This employer has an obligation to meet the organization's pay equity needs," said OPSEU Local 166 steward, Angelo Currado. "That does not mean providing 1% pay equity in lieu of a cost of living wage increase. The employer's latest offer was unacceptable."

"We are not being unreasonable," said Currado. "Other agencies doing the same or similar work have received wage increases as well as education stipends. All we are asking for is fairness. We deserve to be treated equally."  

There are 118 employees at Craigwood. Many of these only have part-time positions.  

Craigwood Youth Services run a youth detention centre, a secure custody facility and treatment centres for high-risk youth. Workers at Craigwood are highly skilled and perform a wide range of tasks including counseling, cooking, teaching life skills, classroom support work, and handing out medication.

Angelo Currado, Steward, 519 200-0486 (c)
Denise Sands, Staff Representative, 519-671-7319 (c)