This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
Workers reject second tentative settlement with agency that has one manager for every two employees.
Toronto (6 Aug. 2010) - Youth Employment Services (YES) workers in Toronto have rejected a tentative settlement offering a wage increase of just 1% over two years.
The members of Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) Local 512 will be in a legal position as of midnight Aug. 10.
“I am proud of our members today. They rejected the employer’s offer of what amounts to a pay cut," said Michael Louca, chair of the union's bargaining committee.
"We think it’s wrong that we are the lowest paid in our sector when the agency has managed to support one manager for every two employees. Our members struggle to get by - with some living in subsidized housing, supporting single-income households and carrying crippling student debts.”
This is the second time YES workers have rejected a tentative settlement since bargaining started in December 2009.
The bargaining team has been in mediation and is prepared to resume negotiations. YES workers provide young people with assistance in obtaining jobs, training and education.
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
More information:
Youth Employment Services workers vote to strike