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Appeal for support by striking Kennedy House workers

Everyone who wants to see these workers get a fair and just settlement should send a message to Mary Anne Chambers, Minister of Children and Youth Services.

Ottawa (14 Feb. 2007) - As the strike by youth correctional workers at Kennedy House in Ajax enters the eleventh month James Clancy, national president of the 340,000-member National Union of Public and General Employees, is urging people to support the workers.

"These workers stood up for decent wages and working conditions," said Clancy.

"It has been a long and hard fought struggle. In the final push to reach a negotiated settlement we can help them out by increasing the pressure on the provincial government."

The workers, who are members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE), have been on strike since midnight on March 28, 2006.

Reports are that the only issue left to resolve at the bargaining table is that of seniority.

The employer maintains the position that, in the event of layoffs, management gets to choose who is laid off based on ability and job performance, not on order of seniority. The local union contends this is merely a way of getting rid of union activists at the worksite.

Clancy urges "everyone who wants to see these workers get a fair and just settlement should send a message to Mary Anne Chambers, Minister of Children and Youth Services."

Chambers can be faxed at 416-212-7431 or email machambers.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org.

Kennedy House accommodates youth between the ages of 12 and 17. Residents have been convicted of crimes such as armed robbery, murder, sexual assault, drug and weapons offences, home invasions and escape from custody. NUPGE

More Information:

Kennedy House, Local 361, on strike