Solidarity rally for victims of Waypoint attacks

PENETANGUISHENE, ON, April 11, 2016 /CNW/ - Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) will gather outside the gates of the Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care on Tuesday to show their solidarity with recent victims of violence at the facility.

Date:	Tuesday April 12, 2016
Time:	12 noon
Location:	Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, 500 Church Street, Penetanguishene

OPSEU members from Locals 329 representing Waypoint workers will be joined at the rally by their colleagues from Local 369, who work at the nearby Central North Correctional Centre. Several Waypoint employees, including OPSEU members, were sent to hospital last week after a patient wielding a pair of screwdrivers went on a rampage.

"This rally is about OPSEU members supporting OPSEU members," said Pete Sheehan, president of Local 329. "In both locations we deal with an extremely violent workplace and management is doing little to control it. They must pay considerably more attention to the health and safety of their own workers."

Sheehan said it is not uncommon for patients to be found with contraband, including pins, pencils, belts, buckles and electrical cords, among other potential weapons.

"For years OPSEU has urged the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to put into place safety measures to protect staff and patients alike," said president Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "And for years all we've gotten in return is neglect from the ministry. Will it take a tragedy of even greater proportion before we get some action? I hope not; the time to act is now."

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Pete Sheehan, 705-209-9050