OTTAWA, ON – Front line developmental service workers at Tamir Foundation, who support Jewish adults with developmental disabilities, voted overwhelmingly in favour of striking if necessary.
“We’re disappointed in our employer’s refusal to improve paid sick leave, introduce a wellness day, or address the fact that members are covering insurance premiums and costs for vehicles for which they use for work,” says Robyn Weedmark, President of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 4870.
Members at the local report that inadequate paid sick leave and recognition of employee wellness is detrimental to both the quality and continuity of care, and has broad implications on Tamir’s ability to recruit and retain staff.
“Tamir is supposed to promote a supportive environment conducive to personal growth and community involvement, but largely ignores the realities impacting front line developmental service workers,” continued Weedmark. “We are sending a clear message to our employer to take bargaining and member concerns seriously.”
Bargaining between Tamir Foundation and CUPE Local 4870 is on-going.
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For media requests:
Paul Whyte, CUPE Communications, 647-212-9887, [email protected]
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