Public service workers take message to public: people with disabilities need support, not cuts

PETERBOROUGH, May 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Staff with the Ontario Disability Support Program are speaking out against downloading ODSP from the province to municipalities. They are members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union and are holding public events before work or during their lunch hours.

What:	Distribution of flyers followed by a march
When:	Wednesday, May 23
What time:	Noon - 1 p.m.
Where:	Peterborough Square March from there to Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal's office 236 King St.

The union is concerned that a provincial Commission examining social assistance will recommend combining ODSP with Ontario Works in its final report expected in June. This will lead to inconsistent delivery across the province with clients getting more or less help depending on where they live, according to the union.

"ODSP is about a lot more than simply income support," says OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "Our members advise and counsel clients to help them achieve their potential and participate in the community and workforce. They celebrate a lot of successes with their clients."

It's premature and counterproductive to take the system in an entirely new direction before a recent customer service overhaul is fully implemented and evaluated, says Thomas. The overhaul was designed to end delays and provide long-term, seamless support to clients.

Cindy Hayes-Wright, Steward, OPSEU Local 308 
Cell: 705-872-2594