New contract reached for workers at William W. Creighton Youth Services in Kenora: OPSEU

KENORA, ON, Sept. 30, 2014 /CNW/ - Workers with OPSEU local 702 at William W. Creighton Youth Services in Kenora ratified a new three year agreement on September 24.

"Good labour relations at this agency led to swift resolution of a fair contract," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

The new contract includes wage improvements for casual, part-time and full-time workers. Casual workers can also now count on their seniority to ensure they get better shift allocation from the on-call list. Employees will be considered for positions before outside applicants.

"Our primary concern in bargaining was in ensuring our members received the same respect as others doing the same work in Thunder Bay. The new contract has made great progress in this regard," said OPSEU steward and bargaining team member, Derrick Lamarche. "We believe the employer joins the union in our commitment to achieving wage parity with our Thunder Bay counterparts."

"Our local is stronger now. We are learning the importance of protecting each other in the work place, and working together to create a positive work environment," said Lamarche.

William W. Creighton Youth Services covers their employees' Long Term Disability payment and also provides WSIB insurance coverage.

"Our work can often be dangerous, and we commend the employer for making health and safety a priority," said Lamarche.

William W. Creighton Youth Services staff provide 24 hour services for youth at risk, and include cooks, child and youth workers, secretaries and maintenance workers.

SOURCE: Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Derrick Lamarche, OPSEU steward and bargaining team member [phone] [email protected]; Brenda Wood, OPSEU Staff Representative [email protected]; Emily Visser, OPSEU Communications: 1-800-268-7376 x8714 [email protected]