OPSEU: Maisons de la famille strike deadline is postponed

TORONTO, Nov. 15 /CNW/ - A last-minute return to the bargaining table has led to postponement of the Monday strike deadline at the Maisons de la famille (Family Centres), also known as Groupe Action pour l'enfant, la famille et la communauté de Prescott-Russell.

Originally set for Monday morning, November 15, the strike deadline has been extended to Wednesday morning, November 17.

"Nobody wants a strike," said OPSEU Staff Representative, Paul Sharkey.  "Progress has been made over the course of the day, and we will be back to negotiate further on Monday."

A group of parents took their concerns directly to the General Director, Yves Séguin, in a surprise visit on Friday. That afternoon, the employer agreed to return to the bargaining table on Sunday, November 14.

The union and the employer have agreed not to discuss outstanding issues publicly while they are still at the table.

Through the "Fiers de nos enfants" programs at the Maisons de la famille, staff provide support for children aged 0 to 6 and their parents. Offering front-line education and parenting assistance to families in Prescott-Russell County, the OPSEU unit addresses the needs of several different communities.

Worksites include three Maisons de la famille: in Hawkesbury, Embrun, and Rockland. There are also several satellite centres.

For further information:

Paul Sharkey, OPSEU Staff Representative: 613-222-3450

Emily Visser, OPSEU Communications Officer: 416-557-7936