OPSEU developmental services members at Reena show strong support for bargaining team!

TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Developmental services workers at Reena have shown strong support for their bargaining team with a 93.2% vote in favour of taking strike action if the employer fails to bring a fair offer to the table.

"These workers deserve a fair contract and respect for the important services they provide for some of the most vulnerable members of our community," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "Workers at Reena have the full support of their union."

Members of OPSEU Local 554 are calling for a contract with a mandate to improve labour relations. "Our Local needs to be able to properly represent our members," said Local President and bargaining team member, Connie MacKinnon. "We have a strong mandate from our members to bring back a good contract."

The chronic underfunding of Ontario's Developmental Services Sector is the root cause of workers' struggle to reach a reasonable settlement. "Our members have extensive training, and provide quality care and compassion to the people they support," said MacKinnon. "It is unacceptable that so many of these workers are forced to work two or more part-time jobs to provide for themselves and their families."

There are 435 OPSEU members working at Reena. They provide support and services to close to one thousand children and adults with developmental disabilities through residential support and programs involving recreation and leisure activities, life and work skills development as well as job placement programs.

Negotiations are scheduled to resume in early February.

Connie MacKinnon, Local 554 President and Bargaining Team Member - cell :647-718-5490
Mandy Dumais- OPSEU Staff Representative - cell: 416-518-2368