Hamilton Youth Mental Health Workers End Strike, Voice Ongoing Concerns

After a 10-week strike, two youth mental health workers in Hamilton say union members are back to work feeling supported by the community but disrespected by the provincial government.

Local 262 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) had been in talks with their employer, Lynwood Charlton Centre, for several months. Members of this local are among the first Ontario support workers to reach an agreement after thousands went on strike in the spring.

Even though the Lynwood Charlton employees are mostly happy with their new contract, Amanda Fry-Smith and Tamara Putland feel that the province – which covers most of the funding for the centre – has largely ignored their calls for increased public funding in this area.

Fry-Smith and Putland have worked at the centre, located near Mohawk and Upper Paradise roads, for 20 and 30 years, respectively.

The centre runs four live-in treatment programs as well as day treatment options. It also provides in-home services and counselling while helping people connect with other services for children and youth.

As per its latest annual report, Lynwood Charlton served around 2,300 clients during the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The centre received about $8.1 million from Ontario’s Ministry of Health and $1.8 million from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

Around 130 members of Local 262 walked off their jobs on May 25, coinciding with approximately 4,000 support workers from about 20 locals across Ontario who either went on strike or were locked out during contract discussions.

OPSEU launched a provincewide campaign called Worth Fighting For that highlighted these job actions.

In a news release dated Aug. 7, the union stated that workers at around 20 other agencies were still striking. CBC Hamilton asked for an update on Monday but did not get a response before publication.

Duri Ng picketing in town, workers mentioned in interviews that their sector is consistently underfunded. Many take on multiple jobs while burned-out employees leave the field.

The strike came to an end after Lynwood Charlton agreed to mediation-arbitration with its staff at the end of July, according to Putland. This process led to an agreement she described as a good deal overall that includes a pay rise of 16 percent over four years.

She credited their success to their campaign efforts; without it, she believes the wage increase would have been significantly lower.

“It really made me see the power that the workers actually have when we stand together,” Fry-Smith said.

Centre’s operations ‘returning to normal’

During the strike period, Lynwood Charlton temporarily paused some programming. The centre’s executive director, Michelle Hayes, didn’t specify how many programs were affected or how many clients were impacted when speaking with CBC Hamilton.

In an email sent Monday, Hayes said “operations have been returning to normal following a return to work” on Aug. 6. She noted that appointments are being set up with social service navigators and that both live-in and community-based treatment programs are gearing up to restart this week.

“The past several months have been difficult – for our staff, for families who depend on us, and for our community,” Hayes stated. “We appreciate all of our staff’s expertise, compassion and dedication they bring each day along with gratitude towards families and community partners who supported us throughout.”

Members of OPSEU Local 262 and their supporters picketed outside Lynwood Charlton Centre near Mohawk and Upper Paradise roads on May 25. (Justin Chandler/CBC)

Fry-Smith managed Local 262’s social media during this time; she mentioned that they got closer through this experience.
“Overall our agency will be stronger because of it.”

Their connections extended beyond just their local union; they engaged with workers from other unions facing similar struggles such as those involved in corrections or children’s aid services too,” Putland added.
“We all got great tans” from picketing in sun,” she joked.

Passe Rsby honking horns near their picket line along with those dropping off treats like popsicles during hot days “really kept us going” Fry-Smith shared “and helped us feel seen & important” which was crucial since “our government did not make us feel that way.”
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Sooner than later members began feeling like they’re “not a priority for [the provincial] government,” according To Putland stating they’ve felt “disrespected” by provincial leaders whose concerns seem largely ignored.

Call For Ontario Child Mental Health Strategy

Local262 attempted presenting issues directly To MPPs inclusive through picketing outside offices belonging To MPPs Donna Skelly & Neil Lumsden while protesting At Premier Doug Ford’s annual Ford Fest event

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OPSEU asserted filing “over A dozen” Unfair Labour Practice applications concerning responsibilities held by Ford government’s funders due employers citing repeated underfunding During negotiations

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They also emphasized seeking remedy regarding Bill124 which capped public-sector wage increases at one percent ruled unconstitutional Later By judiciary body further exploring legal pathways recover lost funds earned by its membership claims

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CBCHamilton requested comments From Ministryof Children Community Social Services responding alleged underfunding issues raised regarding unfair labor practices filed They provided no specific answers mention however spokesperson Julia Lombardo replied through email announcing historic investments injected into developmental services sector nearing$4 billion This Year increasing $1.6 Billion Since assumption office

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Ontario defines developmental services help people aged over18 While emphasizing frustration hearing above statistics asked about strikes despite serving youngsters below18 left unheard concerning gaps existing within workforce stability recruitment retention challenges observed continually demonstrated across Children’s Mental Health Ontario representing various centers including Lynwood Charlton advocating comprehensive childyouthmentalhealth HHRHealth Human Resources strategy progress achieving wage parity Improving stability minimizing wait time challenges identified

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Community Services ‘Worth Fighting For’

On social media responses reacting Against protests claimed employees only motivated monetary gain far removed reality expressed succinctly By fry-smith Adding laborers sacrificed earnings striking hoping secure better positions within sectors

Regarding Childrens mental wellness issues related violence early intervention proves effective measures best intervention supporting viewpoints based personal experiences shared putlands’ son receiving significant support addressing needs youthful periods Resolved finishing Highschool working Fulltime Now At18 without appropriate assistance risk faced entering juvenile justice system earlier defined scenarios presented.

“community Services Are worth fighting For There exists immense value behind them Losing resources translates Into losses impacting lives profoundly just because Ford administration decided ignore realities presently does not signify conclusion ongoing battle”

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