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Low wages and poor benefits pushing more home support workers in Ontario onto picket line.
Renfrew (06 Jan. 2014) - Home support workers employed by ParaMed Health Care in Renfrew county have called for a strike vote on January 14 after contract talks broke down on the eve of the Christmas-New Year holiday break.
“We need a strong strike mandate because we were going nowhere at the table,” said Audrey Waito-Prince, Chair of the bargaining team and President of Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) which represents about 150 registered nurses, registered practical nurses, home and personal support workers and administrative staff at ParaMed Health Care.
Wages and benefits major issue
“We have hit a brick wall with the employer over wages and benefits,” she added.
Other issues in dispute include mileage rates and job security.
Date and locations for strike votes set for January 14
The two sides met twice with a conciliator in December. No further talks are currently scheduled.
Strike votes will be taken Jan. 14 at the following locations and times:
- Renfrew, Royal Canadian Legion, 10 a.m. to 12 noon
- Barry's Bay, Royal Canadian Legion, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- Pembroke, Royal Canadian Legion, 3 pm.. to 5 p.m.
The workers’ previous contract expired December 31, 2012.
NUPGE
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