40 workers at Elizabeth Fry Toronto have ratified a new collective agreement, after a long bargaining process that narrowly avoided a work stoppage at midnight Sunday.
“Congratulations to all of the members of this local who fought so hard to defend the quality public services they offer their community. This is a great example of how OPSEU is defending public services one contract at a time,” said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
“We sent our employer a strong message about what we are willing to tolerate, and what we think we are worth,” said Bargaining Team Chair, Jaime McGuire.
The new agreement includes a wage increase of three per cent over the next three years, as well as a signing bonus, automatic conversion of contract positions without an incumbent to permanent positions after 12 months, and the ability to have a union representative present when filing a harassment and discrimination complaint against management.
“With the support we received we were able to stay strong, hopeful and positive,” said Bargaining Team members McGuire, Hilda Namu and Lorraine McKellar. “Thanks to everyone who stood in solidarity with us.”
For more information:
Jaime McGuire, Bargaining Team member and OPSEU Local 518 unit steward: jaimelocal518@gmail.com
Bernard King, OPSEU Negotiator: 647-404-3304, bking@opseu.org