Niagara-Haldimand CCAC workers protest stalled contract talks

ST. CATHARINES, ON, Jan. 24, 2015 /CNW/ - More than 40 employees of Care Partners in Niagara-Haldimand protested outside the offices of Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) today in a bid to draw public attention to contract talks that have ground to a standstill.

The workers, members of Local 294 of the Ontario Public Service Union (OPSEU), are frustrated in their bid to negotiate a first contract with Care Partners, a for-profit community home care agency. The employees have delivered a 94 per cent strike mandate to their bargaining team last month unless an agreement can be reached with Care Partners.

"Our members are upset for a host of reasons but primarily because this employer displays almost no respect toward us," said Chris Frail, chair of the worker's bargaining team. "They expect us to work up to 55 hours without proper compensation and we have no means by which to appeal unfair workplace decisions by Care Partners.

"We're angry and we're not prepared to put up with this treatment for much longer. One result of management's treatment of its employees is the high rate of staff turnover, which adversely affects our clients. They should not be the victims of management's anti-labour position."

The Care Partners workers were joined at the information picket by other union activists representing CUPE, Unifor, postal workers and teachers. NDP MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) also attended.

Members of Local 294 voted overwhelmingly to join OPSEU more than 18 months ago. But at the bargaining table the employer has exhibited little interest in negotiating a deal.

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas said the arrogance displayed by management at the bargaining table is all-to-familiar in bargaining a first contract. He said his union would stand firmly behind the workers if they elect to walk off the job.

"Both sides should understand clearly we are prepared to throw the full resources of OPSEU behind our members if Care Partners forces us to resort to job action. That's not our preferred option but one we're willing to take if this standstill continues much longer."

The two sides last met on Dec. 15. No further talks are currently scheduled.

Care Partners in Haldimand-Norfolk counties delivers nursing services, including oncology, dialysis, pediatric, wound and diabetic care.

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Judy Robertson, OPSEU Staff Representative, 905-309-7575