Media Advisory - Participation Lodge workers to picket Ministry and LHIN

LONDON & OWEN SOUND, ON, Oct. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - Workers from Participation Lodge in Owen Sound are taking a trip to London Ontario on Wednesday, October 24. They will hold a picket outside the offices of the Ministry of Community and Social Services followed by a second picket at the South West LHIN.

They will deliver a letter from OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas directly to Michael Barrett, Chief Executive Officer of the South West LHIN. A strike at Participation Lodge has been ongoing for a month.

DATE:		Wednesday, October 24, 2012
WHERE:		Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services     217 York Street, London Ontario
TIME:		12 noon to 1 p.m.
WHERE:		South West LHIN,
		200 Queen's Avenue, London Ontario
TIME :		1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

"The frontline workers at Participation Lodge are frustrated by funds being misdirected away from the people in their care and would like to see greater accountability," writes Thomas in his letter addressed to LHIN CEO Michael Barrett.

"We ask that the LHIN conduct a financial audit to protect clients with physical and developmental disabilities who depend on these services to live independently and with dignity in the community," said Thomas.

The letter is copied to the Hon. Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care; Hon. John Milloy, Minister of Community and Social Services; Elaine Kerr, Executive Director, Participation Lodge; Bonnie Seeley, President, Board of Directors, Participation Lodge; and Jeff Low, Chair, South West LHIN.

OPSEU represents 50 members who work at Participation Lodge in Owen Sound. Workers provide supports to people with physical and developmental disabilities both in residential settings and in the community.

 

SOURCE: OPSEU

Andrea McCormack, OPSEU Staff Representative: 519-379-7159 (c) 
Deb Powell, OPSEU Local President 519-387-2351 (c)