MEDIA ADVISORY - Maisons de la famille workers to hold "Fêtes de Noël" for
community families

PRESCOTT-RUSSELL, ON, Dec. 9 /CNW/ - OPSEU early childhood educators at Maisons de la famille are holding "Fêtes de Noël" for the families who are standing in solidarity with them while they are on strike.

The first Fête will be held in Hawkesbury. Two Fêtes de Noël will be held next week in Embrun and Rockland. Details are forthcoming.

What:	Maisons de la famille workers 'Fêtes de Noël'
When:	Friday, December 10
Where:	Salle du Chenail, 393, rue William, Hawkesbury
What time:	from 11h30 to 13h30.

The Fête will feature play-groups for the children, Christmas songs, and other activities. Hotdogs will be served.

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.

OPSEU has recently 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.

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.