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MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – Negotiators for Local 966 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 966) are urging March of Dimes Peel to return to the bargaining table after the community agency went on a ‘fast track’ to a lockout yesterday.
“Our members have been without a contract for more than two years now. For our clients’ sake, March of Dimes Peel needs to come back to the table and negotiate a fair collective agreement, rather than threatening to disrupt the services vulnerable people in Peel Region depend on,” said Mary Jo Falle, President of CUPE 966.
CUPE 966 represents 75 full-time and part-time staff at March of Dimes Peel, who provide vital assistance to adults who are living with a wide range physical, cognitive and mental health disabilities.
“Our members aren’t looking for major improvements to their wages and benefits. All they are asking for is a decent living wage, and to be treated with fairness and respect,” said Falle.
Last night, March of Dimes Peel requested a ‘No Board’ report from the Ministry of Labour. Once the Ministry issues the ‘No Board’ report, March of Dimes Peel will be in a legal position to lock out its employees 17 days later.
Falle warned that a disruption to the vital services Local 966 members provide would have a major negative impact on March of Dimes Peel clients.
“Our members don’t want to strike, because they understand the profound damage a disruption in services would have on the people that we serve. The work our members perform is specialized in many instances, and consistency of care would be jeopardized, creating extremely drastic physical and emotional impacts on our clients,” said Falle.
“For our clients’ sake, we are ready to bargain for as long as it takes to reach a fair settlement, but we need a willing partner at the table to do that,” she added.
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For more information, please contact:
Mary Jo Falle, President, CUPE 966 905-502-6599
Kevin Wilson, CUPE Communications 416-821-6641
