OPSEU on STRIKE!

The province is refusing to come to the table for contract talks with 4000 OPSEU workers on strike today, and there are another 15,000 workers who are close to contract negotiations. The province has allowed the waitlists for certain underfunded services to balloon; a 5-10 year wait for adults who need specialized care, 4-5 years for children who need care for conditions such as Autism. This, in combination with what can be described as wage suppression legislation or Bill 124, has created an untenable situation.

We spoke to OPSEU workers picketing at Christie Pits today. Sarah Dennis, OPSEU Union Steward, says, “Bill 124 caused the wage issues, but the waitlists are really due to the chronic underfunding. They’re linked certainly, but it’s beyond just Bill 124.”

Some of these workers striking for better wages are among Ontario’s most vulnerable themselves; some rely on food banks to meet basic health requirements. As of today, they’ve been on strike for 10 weeks.

The refusal of the government to talk to the workers is a strategic tactic as they try to push accountability back to the workers’ employers, who are also funded by them. Dennis tells us that “our employers and the government have been pointing fingers at each other to avoid accountability for the issue.”

The action may be less visible than work action that impacts your local public school or LCBO. The smaller groups of vulnerable adults and children who need care for conditions such as Autism, are a less visible group. The province appears to be biding their time as they create the conditions necessary for what they will likely call a crisis.

Learn more and take action by visiting OPSEU’s site and send a letter to the Premier and your MPP. OPSEU will be in the neighbourhood on Friday. Visit one of the centres in the community where OPSEU workers are valued and show your support.