An upcoming focus area for the Grey-Bruce Labour Council......and likely across a wide portion province. No doubt the "Summer of Unrest" depicted below and in numerous sectors and areas mentioned in various publications will underscore the need that so many Labour Councils have voiced in regards to Special Project Funding and the need for flexibility with such funds to aid our Sisters and Brothers in their various struggles for Justice...


In Solidarity
Dave Trumble
President
Grey-Bruce
Labour Council


Unionized workers at Community Living Meaford have voted to file a no board report with the Ministry of Labour and could strike as early as July 10, joining developmental service workers across the province in a showdown with the provincial government.
Members of OPESU Local 235, which represents about 44 caregivers of disabled adults in the Meaford area, held a strike preparation meeting Monday night in Meaford Hall and could walk off the job as early as July 10.
" We haven't filed a no-board report with the Ministry of Labour yet, but that could happen at anytime," said Mary Kelly, Unit Steward and a member of the bargaining team. "We could be in a strike position by July 10."
This summer could be filled with labour strife as workers in the developmental service sector demand higher wages.
" There is a crisis in developmental services across the province," said Kelly. "The government has been putting too little money into the field."
Kelly added their employer, Community Living Meaford, agrees with their demands for more money, but can do little to help, explaining the "transfer payment agency" is dependent on provincial government funding to meet its obligations. Local 235 is asking the Ministry of Labour for a "no board report" which will start the countdown toward a strike deadline.
Monday night's meeting heard updates regarding the province-wide crisis and the stage of strike preparedness of other units around the province, said Kelly. More than 1,000 staff at Middlesex Community Living, Elgin Association for Community Living, Community Living Lonon and Community Living Chatham-Kent, could al be on strike by June 25.
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Sixteen other Community Living agencies across the province, including Meaford and Hanover also have strong strike votes.
Community Living Meaford provides services to approximately 34 adults with developmental disabilities, including the operation of four group homes and an independent apartment living program.
" We expect there will be a significant impact if we are forced to strike," said Kelly, adding she didn't think management had the staff to take over their duties. "Voting to strike was an extremely difficult decision to make," said Kelly. "They did it with a heavy heart, but at what point do you say enough is enough."
Kelly said the Liberal government promised an extra $200 million over four years for developmental service agencies, but this year, only $22 million is available for wages, which would raise salaries by two per cent at the most.
" The government has been able to get away with underfunding services for people with developmental disabilities because most people just don't realize it's happening," said Kelly. "We're determined to make sure everyone knows this government may talk a good line, but when it comes to making the people we support a priority, they are failing."
Kelly said low wages are causing people to leave the profession, making it difficult to find qualified staff, leaving workers shorthanded an in dangerous situations. "It's a struggle everyday for our staff," she said.