TORONTO, ON – As striking Emergency After Hours Staff (EAHS) prepare to return to the bargaining table this Friday, they are inviting the public to join them on the picket line this afternoon and throughout the week as they cheer on the playoff-bound Toronto Blue Jays.
The striking workers, members of Local 2316-1 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 2316-1) will host an informal viewing party on their picket line in front of the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto’s (CAST) Isabella Street offices.
“With the playoffs coming up, we thought it would be a great idea to cheer on the Jays this week. We’ll have some hot chocolate and a big-screen television and hopefully lots of excitement,” said Aubrey Gonsalves, President of CUPE 2316.
“We also want Children’s Aid management to understand that, while we are committed to reaching a fair settlement when we return to the bargaining table this Friday, we’re equally committed to maintaining our picket line for as long as we need to,” he added.
The members of CUPE 2316-1, who ensure at-risk children and their families have the supports they need around the clock, went on strike July 27 after trying for two-and-a-half years to secure a fair first contract. The two sides recently agreed to meet on Friday, October 2, in an effort to find a solution to the impasse.
The picket line is located at 30 Isabella Street, less than a block east of Yonge Street, halfway between Wellesley and Bloor Streets. The viewing party will begin at approximately 5:00 p.m. today and continue into the second game of today’s double-header.
Gonsalves said that several other themed events are planned for the coming weeks in the event a fair settlement isn’t reached on Friday.
“We certainly hope we’re back to work with a fair contract, but we are also ready to stay out here as long as needed,” he said.
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For more information, please contact:
Aubrey Gonsalves, CUPE 2316 President, 416-463-5967 Ext. 3
Kevin Wilson, CUPE Communications, 416-821-6641
