Developmental Services workers from OPSEU Local 358 at Community Living Peterborough ratified a new four-year agreement on Monday, January 30.
The agreement closely follows the established pattern bargaining for the sector, and benefits from the steady negotiating work done by all of the locals who have bargained contracts so far. “Congratulations to the bargaining team on this new contract,” said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “Workers in this sector deserve to receive decent wages and respect for the important work they do their community.”
Key gains include bringing up the wages for all of the workers. “Our new agreement was overwhelmingly ratified by the members,” said Local President Karen McKinnon. “It is good for all of the staff, full-time and part-time.”
Employees will receive a lump sum payment on or before March 31st, 2012, of $1000 for all full-time members and $500 for all part-time members. There is a $0.50 wage increase in the third and fourth year to apply across all classifications and pay scales. In addition, there is now an extra day for the Local President and an extra sick day for many hourly-rated positions. The four-year contract term is from April 2010 to March 2014.
Staff at Community Living Peterborough provide supports and services to more than 300 children, youth, and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families living in the city and county of Peterborough.