TORONTO, ON – With a strike deadline of December 13 rapidly approaching, the union representing workers at Warden Woods Community Centre urged management to ‘get serious’ about negotiating a fair collective agreement.
“For more than a year, our members have been trying to negotiate a fair first contract with Warden Woods, but I am extremely concerned that management needs to get serious about finishing the job,” said Barbara Garcia, President of Local 5218 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 5218).
“The community depends on, and expects, the vital services our members provide. We’re committed to this community, but Warden Woods’ management needs to demonstrate their commitment to getting the job done.
CUPE 5218 has been in negotiations with Warden Woods for over a year. While some progress towards securing a first contract has taken place, several items remain outstanding. Additionally, staff have not had a wage increase in eight years.
The countdown to a lockout or strike began when Warden Woods’ management declared an impasse last month.
“We are prepared to bargain for as long as it takes to secure a fair contract, but the employer’s actions have set us on a fast track to a work stoppage, unless they get serious about finishing the job of negotiating with us,” said Garcia.
“We have been extremely reasonable in offering good faith solutions we believe are fair to our members, protect vital public services the community depends on, and ensure the long-term viability of Warden Woods,” she added.
Warden Woods is a multi-service community agency based in Scarborough providing supports to seniors, youth and children. The 44 members of CUPE 5218 provide a wide range of programming and services at the main office, several satellite locations, and in people’s homes.
For more information, please contact:
Barbara Garcia
CUPE 5218 President
416-725-4437
Kevin Wilson
CUPE Communications
416-821-6641
