Valoris workers deliver strong strike vote in support of quality services and fair pay
PRESCOTT-RUSSELL, ON, March 15, 2018 /CNW/ - The OPSEU members who work at Valoris, an agency that provides a variety of youth and adult services in Prescott-Russell, have said loud and clear that they'll go on strike for fair pay and to protect the services they provide.
"The health of our communities depends on us being able to deliver high quality services" says Carl Brisson, a mental health worker and the chair of OPSEU Local 426's Valoris bargaining team.
"The last thing we want to do is go on strike. But we need to send a very clear message: we will stand up for the services we provide."
Nearly 350 OPSEU members work at Valoris providing children's aid, mental health counselling, developmental services, and services for victims of domestic violence. Their contract expires on March 31, 2018.
Negotiations broke down on March 5 over a variety of issues including pay equality with similar workers at community services organizations in nearby communities, understaffing, contracting out, and long-term disability.
The OPSEU bargaining team has filed for conciliation and, on March 8, held a strike vote. A strong majority voted in favour of strike.
"When a group of OPSEU members deliver a strong strike vote, you know they are serious about protecting the services they provide," says OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
"These members are standing up for themselves and for the people who depend on them. And they've got 150,000 OPSEU members standing with them."
SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)
OPSEU Local 426 Valoris bargaining committee chair Carl Brisson: 613-868-0495
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