Media Advisory - Part-time job crisis could push AGO workers to strike: OPSEU

TORONTO, May 17 /CNW/ - Workers at the Art Gallery of Ontario will hold an information picket Wednesday to protest the AGO's attack on good full-time jobs.

    
    Date: Wed. May 19
    Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    Place: Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St. W.
    Featuring Rhythms of Resistance and Faith Nolan
    

AGO workers will be in a legal strike position at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, May 21, 2010. Calling for good, full-time jobs, AGO staff are demanding a fair contract.

"Our members are dedicated to the AGO and they want to work," says AGO staff member and OPSEU steward, Paula Whitmore. "We are committed to the work we do, and deserve recognition for full-time hours."

Many AGO employees are struggling to make a living working two part-time jobs, often at 40 hours per week with no benefits. They are forced into part-time work and short term contracts. In addition, work is often contracted out to external sources.

"AGO employees are in a revolving door," says Whitmore. "There is no good reason for the lack of full-time positions. Workers are being penalized because of lack of foresight and planning on the part of management."

The ratio of part-time to full-time staff keeps increasing. As recently as 2005 there were 136 full-time and 159 part-time staff. Now there are 177 full-time staff while the number of part-time staff has grown to 266.

For further information: Paula Whitmore, [phone]; Emily Visser, [phone]