OPSEU Local 472 delivers resounding strike vote

RENFREW, ON, April 8, 2016 /CNW/ - Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union working at Community Living Renfrew County South have voted 89 per cent in favour of strike action if negotiations to land a first contract fail to produce a tentative deal.

"Our members have spoken loud and clearly: they're looking for results at the bargaining table, and if that fails, they're ready to take job action," said Derek Ouellette, chair of the bargaining team for Local 472, which represents about 100 workers at the agency.

The strike vote drew a strong turnout of 84 per cent of members.

"That so many members chose to participate in the strike vote tells me there's tremendous unity inside Local 472," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "The employer should take note of that when the two sides return to the bargaining table."

A conciliator will be at the bargaining table when talks resume on April 27.

Key issues for the local include wages, hours of work and job security.

Members of Local 472 provide developmental services for people with intellectual disabilities in Renfrew and Arnprior.

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Nelson Ross Laguna, OPSEU Negotiator, 613-324-4174