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HAMILTON Frontline staff at Community Living Hamilton are preparing for possible job action as they try to win new health and safety and job security provisions in their collective agreement.
CUPE 3943, representing about 180 staff, has requested a no-board report, beginning the countdown to a possible strike or lockout in early July.
Ensuring a safe environment for workers, supported individuals, volunteers and visitors is a joint employer and union responsibility, said Jim Beattie, CUPE 3943 president. That means policies and procedures must be negotiated as part of our collective agreement if we are to address these issues effectively.
Job security is another key issue for the developmental services workers, who voted 93% in support of job action earlier this spring.
The Ministry of Community and Social Services is radically changing the way they fund and deliver supports and services to persons with a developmental disability, Beattie said. There is huge potential for delivery to shift away from community-based agencies unless we ensure that our jobs and the work we do are protected.
Beattie said he hopes Community Living Hamilton is planning to attend the next scheduled mediation date, June 26, with an offer that will avert job action. In the meantime, the union is planning an information meeting for parents and families of supported individuals on Saturday, June 23, 11:30 a.m. at Parkdale Arena & Recreation Centre, 1770 Main Street East (Parkdale & Main, fully accessible with parking on site).
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For more information, contact:
Jim Beattie, President, CUPE 3943, 905-928-0030
Gerry McDonnell, CUPE National Representative, 905-575-5411
Pat Daley, CUPE Communications, 416-616-6142
