Local 358 OPSEU strike disrupts services at Community Living Trent Highlands

Member of local 358 of OPSEU have gone on strike. 

The strike is affecting Community Living Trent Highlands, which has locations in Lindsay, Peterborough and Haliburton. 

“With this recent news, we have been preparing to provide safe and secure support for people. But despite our efforts, the reality is that many of our people will be receiving reduced services for the duration of this labour action. Therefore, we felt it necessary to call for the final offer vote to try and settle the terms of a new labour agreement and end this impending strike action,” said Teresa Jordan, executive director, in a press release.

Tom Newton, secretary of local 358, said that more than 4,500 staff went on strike across different sectors, including children’s aid and juvenile detention, as part of the Worth Fighting For campaign. 

The main objectives of the campaign is to have a wage increase and ensure there are no layoffs.

Newton said that some haven’t seen a wage increase in three years, and now they’re asking for three per cent wage increases each year for the next three years. 

“The latest offer we got from our employer, they will not let us know if it’s with layoffs,” said Newton. 

Bargaining has been ongoing for the last 13 months, and Newton said if the strike continues, it would have an impact on the community members they serve.

Community Living Trent Highlands provides services to those living with development disabilites and their families. 

“In our field of developmental services, we build relationships with these people, we know these people,” Newton said.

Another vote will be happening from noon today until noon tomorrow. Late tomorrow afternoon, union members will know if a deal has been reached, or if they’ll be back on the picket line.