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Near-unanimous vote sends ‘clear message’ that it’s time for both sides to take negotiations seriously
TORONTO, Ont. – The staff of Dixon Hall, members of Local 2497 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), have voted overwhelmingly to endorse their bargaining committee in their efforts to secure a fair collective agreement.
“Members sent a clear message to Dixon Hall’s management – our members want to negotiate a fair agreement that respects all parties, but they can’t do it without a willing partner at the table,” said Ana Gomes, President of Local 2497.
On Wednesday, members voted to give their bargaining committee a mandate to take all steps necessary to secure a fair agreement, up to and including job action, if needed.
“Unless Dixon Hall gets serious about bargaining and takes major concessions off the table, our members voted to take whatever steps are necessary to protect the services that staff deliver to so many members of the community and to protect the staff who deliver those services,” she added.
Staff at Dixon Hall provide a wide range of vital services to the community, from children and youth services, supportive housing, Out of the Cold and seniors’ active living programs, to name just a few.
Local 2497 has been in bargaining since last October. Despite coming to the table with very modest proposals, the bargaining committee has received numerous demands for concessions from Dixon Hall management.
“Our members do not want to go on strike. Our objective has always been to negotiate a fair agreement, but tabling concessions that strip away what few protections our members have is a non-starter,” said Gomes.
The two sides will both meet with a provincial conciliator on September 18.
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For more information, please contact:
Kevin Wilson, CUPE Communications, 416-821-6641
