Tillsonburg Developmental Services workers to hold information picket demanding funding

TILLSONBURG, ON, Feb. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - Developmental Services workers from Community Living Tillsonburg are holding an information picket on Tuesday, February 28. Calling for proper funding, workers are protesting cuts to the services so many vulnerable people depend on.

What:	Information Picket
When:	Tuesday, February 28, 2012 10:00am start time
Where:	Community Living Tillsonburg offices 51 Brock St. (across from the Post Office)

"We are calling on Ontario's Minister of Community and Social Services, John Milloy, to provide the urgent funding needed for developmental services in Ontario."  said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "Our province's developmental services agencies do not have the funding they need. This cannot continue."

"People in our community who have intellectual disabilities as well as their families depend on access to developmental services," Says OPSEU local 161 President, Nancy John.

The 112 workers at Community Living Tillsonburg have been without a contract since March 2010. The employer is demanding concessions in the form of reduced sick days and vacation time, and cuts to maternity leave and adoption leave. "Our members are dedicated to providing excellent services to the clients we serve. We are asking that this employer show respect for the frontline workers and negotiate a fair contract," says Nancy John.

There is increasing reliance on casual workers at Community Living Tillsonburg. These workers are paid less for the work that they do, and often have to work two or three jobs to earn a living wage. In addition, the employer has not made any pay equity adjustments for the past three years, resulting in a growing wage gap.

There are currently more than 20,000 people on Ontario's waiting list for access to developmental services.

More than 8,000 OPSEU members work in developmental services. Providing professional care to people with developmental disabilities, their work includes providing life skills and other training, support with basic personal tasks and administering medications.

 

Nancy John, OPSEU Local 161 President: 519-688-0928
Tom Watson, OPSEU Staff Representative: 519-476-5614