SYDNEY, NS, March 17, 2015 /CNW/ - Staff at Town Daycare in Glace Bay went on strike this morning following failed negotiations and an unsuccessful conciliation process.
"It has been very difficult for these workers to be forced to withdraw their services," said Lana Payne, Unifor Atlantic Regional Director. "These highly-trained childcare workers love their work and deserve fair compensation for the vital care they provide to families in this community. This strike is their last resort."
The 15 staff, who are members of Unifor Local 4600, are being offered a new collective agreement with no wage increases after years of low wage increases.
"Sadly, this is a classic example of how undervalued and underpaid women are in so many professions. This is especially true of the childcare sector," said Payne.
"There is no question that the families in this community place such trust in this facility because of the quality of care provided by our members," said Susan Gill, President of Unifor Local 4600. "They want nothing more than to secure a fair deal and get back to work."
There are currently 84 children who are cared for at the government-funded daycare, some of whom have special needs.
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 305,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged.
SOURCE Unifor
For more information, please contact Unifor Communications Staff Representative Shelley Burgoyne at [email protected] or (cell) 902-717-7491.
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