Media Advisory - Homes First workers hold rally as strike enters second week

TORONTO, Feb. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - Workers at Homes First Society in Toronto will hold a solidarity rally on Wednesday, February 27, from 5 to 6 pm as they call on management to return to negotiations. The City of Toronto provides funding to this agency, as does United Way Toronto. Workers have been on strike since February 18, 2013.

DATE: Wednesday, February 27, 2013
TIME: 5 pm to 6 pm
PLACE: Homes First, 90 Shuter Street, Toronto
(at Jarvis St. between Dundas St. and Queen St.)

Workers are routinely subjected to employer intimidation tactics including security guard surveillance and replacement workers.

"This employer has to get rid of the security guards and replacement workers and negotiate a fair contract that allows our members to get back to work. Management's antics are wasting precious time," said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

There is desperate need for services that help Toronto's homeless, and these workers do important work providing assistance with finding sustainable housing and decent work.

"All these workers are asking for is a reasonable living wage and respectful working conditions," said OPSEU Negotiator, Kathleen Demareski, "Most of the staff are part-time workers, racialized women, new immigrants. They are struggling to make ends meet."

OPSEU has filed a complaint with the Ontario Labour Relations Board for bad faith bargaining.

SOURCE: OPSEU

Kathleen Demareski, OPSEU Negotiator: 416-523-7810
Emily Visser, OPSEU Communications: 416-557-7936