NEWS ADVISORY - Avenue II workers rally ahead of possible lockout
THUNDER BAY, ON, Sept. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - Employees with Avenue II Community Program Services and their allies and supporters will hold an information rally tomorrow outside the agency's office in Thunder Bay.
| Date: |
Wednesday, September 13, 2017 |
| Time: |
Noon – 3 p.m. |
| Location: |
122 Cumberland Street South, Thunder Bay |
The 100 workers with Avenue II have been without a contract since March 31, 2016. Last month, the employer laid down the gauntlet with a final offer and a request for a "no board" report after just five hours of conciliation. The no-board raises the spectre of a labour disruption as early as September 27.
"We're ready to return to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair deal," said Silvana Cacciatore, president of Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Local 738 and chair of the bargaining team. "We're going to inform the people of Thunder Bay and our political leaders on what the employer's actions mean for us, for our clients, and for their families in this city and surrounding communities."
OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas agreed. "A take-it-or-leave-it approach is not conducive to an agreement in the short term or a harmonious working relationship in the future.
"I urge the employer to review the excellent work that these employees accomplish, come up with an offer that takes into account the rising cost of living, as well as the legitimate concerns of frontline workers, and then come back to the table. There's still lots of time and lots of room to reach a deal that's acceptable to both sides."
Avenue II provides services for adults with physically and/or developmental disabilities. The agency provides community participation support and services, as well as residential support.
SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)
Silvana Cacciatore, 807-621-9347
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