Staff at Kids Help Phone reach tentative agreement

TORONTO, May 19, 2016 /CNW/ - The union bargaining team for frontline staff at Kids Help Phone in Ontario has signed a new tentative collective agreement.

"This was a tough round of negotiations that lasted over eight months, but we worked diligently and made headway on the issues that matter most to our members," said Duane Singh, chair of the bargaining team for Local 515 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. "On behalf of the team, I want to thank all our members for their strong support, and their patience, that brought us to this deal."

Details of the agreement are not being released pending ratification by union members. The OPSEU bargaining team is unanimously recommending that members ratify the deal. A vote is set for June 2.

"I want to congratulate the bargaining team for bringing this deal home for the 52 counsellors who make Kids Help Phone the fabulous service it is," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "They do great work, and I believe this contract recognizes that."

Kids Help Phone is Canada's leading counselling service for children and youth in crisis and the only 24/7 professional counselling service that is totally confidential and anonymous. Counsellors help young people struggling with bullying, depression, and other problems; they also refer youth to programs and services in their communities, including mental health services, sexual health services, shelters, legal support, LGBTQ services, and culturally relevant and ethno-specific services.

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Duane Singh, 647-202-9661