More than 30 members came out for a morning information picket at Community Living Prince Edward on Friday, October 12. Many community members honked their support as they drove past, however management avoided talking to members by arriving early.
"We believe management is preparing to lock out their staff," said OPSEU Local 448 Bargaining Team Chair, Patti Markland. "How else do you explain the arrival of an OPP liaison officer for eastern Ontario who wanted to discuss picket protocols and had discussions with management during our information picket."
"Management needs to realize that their failure to negotiate is actually an attack on the vulnerable clients and families that rely on the services provided by community living," said Markland.
Workers at Community Living Prince Edward provide services to more than 400 people living with disabilities.