Union and employer representatives from developmental services packed the Toronto Regency Hyatt ballroom on October 13 to discuss alternate models of bargaining for this critically under-funded sector.
As the largest unions representing Ontario developmental services workers, OPSEU and CUPE were key participants as labour organizations met with representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Community and Social Services, OASIS, and employer representatives from over 150 community agencies. Some non-union agencies also chose to attend this important event.
"Today we witnessed a welcome show of support for the central bargaining process in the developmental services sector," said OPSEU negotiator, Sean Wilson. "The discussion that took place today shows great potential as we move forward with identifying areas of common ground in upcoming bargaining."
OPSEU membership input from the upcoming November 18 bargaining conference will be brought forward to a "Provincial Discussion Table" – also known as a PDT – to negotiate a Joint Conditions for Bargaining document. If successful, the parties will then move forward with negotiations for a central agreement.