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'You’ve demonstrated considerable strength by showing how a small group of community housing workers can successfully defend their right to decent jobs and benefits.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
Toronto (14 Dec. 2010) - Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) employed by Homes First Society in Toronto have ratified a three-year agreement recommended by their negotiating team.
“Congratulations on this successful round of bargaining,” said OPSEU president Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
“You’ve demonstrated considerable strength by showing how a small group of community housing workers can successfully defend their right to decent jobs and benefits. This is what the struggle of working people is all about.”
After protracted negotiations that ended with four days of conciliation, the bargaining team reached a tentative agreement that validated its long, hard-won battle against major concessions demanded by the employer.
The three-year contract that emerged from the process includes a 2.5% pay increase in the first year, 2% in the second year and 1% in the third year. The employer has also agreed to increase its RRSP contributions by $500.
“It was a very emotional night, to face our membership and present an offer we could be proud off," said Lin McInnes, chair of the bargaining team for OPSEU Local 540, which represents 70 workers.
"Thank you to all the members and mobilizers for taking a stand and coming together when it counted,” McInnes said.
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The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE