Media Advisory - Ottawa Children's Aid workers holding information picket
OTTAWA, March 12, 2018 /CNW/ - To draw attention to their concerns about job security and the damage contracting out could do to the important services they provide, the OPSEU Local 454 members who work at the Children's Aid Society (CAS) of Ottawa will hold an information picket outside their main offices tomorrow at noon.
| What: |
Children's Aid Society of Ottawa information picket |
| When: |
Tuesday, March 13, from 12 noon to 12:30 pm |
| Where: |
Outside the society's head office at 1602 Telesat Ct., Gloucester, |
Nearly two weeks ago, a strong majority of the OPSEU Local 454 members who work at Children's Aid voted in favour of going on strike if the employer insists on a collective agreement that allows for contracting out.
"We've sent a very clear message to the employer: we won't accept contracting-out provisions because it will hurt the services we provide children and families," says Michele Thorn, chair of OPSEU Local 454's CAS bargaining team.
The roughly 400 workers have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2017. Other outstanding issues include wages, benefits, work of the bargaining unit, and parental leave provisions. "We're on the front lines," says Chrisy Tremblay, the vice-chair of OPSEU's CAS sector. "We understand what we need to deliver quality services."
OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas says the CAS members have OPSEU's 150,000 members standing with them. "The last thing these members want is to go on strike," says Thomas. "But we stand with them as they fight to ensure that they have what they need to protect the children of Ottawa."
SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)
Michele Thorn, OPSEU Local 454 President and CAS bargaining team chair: 613-220-7979; Chrisy Tremblay, OPSEU CAS sector vice-chair, OPSEU Board Member: 613-882-7155; OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas: 613-329-1931
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