Community Living Oakville could face strike

HAMILTON – Staff at Community Living Oakville have given their bargaining team an 84 per cent strike mandate to support contract demands. A strike could begin as soon as Nov. 11.

The 52 full-time and 73 part-time workers are represented by Local 249 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. They work with developmentally challenged children and adults.

Key issues are money, pensions and contracting out.

The employer has offered 2 per cent in the first year and no increase in the second year of a two-year contract. Employees, who have worked for eight years without a raise are incensed at the paltry offer. The average salary for a full-time employee is $33,000. The union is seeking 3 per cent in the first year and 2 in the second.

Another proposal would take away eight days’ sick leave a year and require employees to "earn" sick leave. They would "earn" 5.3 hours a month while "actively at work," to be credited to the following year.

Employees are support workers and counsellors who provide life skills and training in residential, workshop and pre-school settings.

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For further information:

Esther MacLean (OPSEU Hamilton office) (905) 525-5527

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