SAFSS workers deliver 100 per cent strike vote

SCARBOROUGH, ON, April 11, 2016 /CNW/ - Members of Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Local 518 at Settlement Assistance and Family Support Services (SAFSS) have voted 100 per cent in favour of strike action if negotiations for their first collective agreement fail to produce a fair tentative deal.

"Our members have spoken loudly and clearly: they're looking for results at the bargaining table," said Valentina Khoudiakova, chair of the local's bargaining team. "If that fails, they're ready to take job action."

A conciliator will be at the bargaining table when talks resume on April 25. Key issues include wages, benefits and job security.

The strike vote, held on March 22, drew a strong turnout. As OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas noted, "The fact that so many members participated in the strike vote tells me there's tremendous unity and determination among these new OPSEU members. The employer should keep that in mind when the two sides return to the bargaining table."

Local 518 represents about 45 workers at SAFSS. The agency provides a wide variety of services for recent immigrants, including language and skills development, information and orientation services, newcomer settlement programs, and programs for seniors.

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Kayla MacNeil-DeSousa, OPSEU Staff Representative, 416-433-7499