Picketers are back on the streets of Hanover this week, as community services workers push for better funding from the provincial government.
Members of Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Local 235, which represents Hanover’s Community Living, have been on strike for a week and a half. They’re fighting to ensure their pay aligns with other public sector jobs.
OPSEU member Bradi Watson states that after years of stagnation due to the Ford government’s wage-suppressing Bill 124, it’s time for the province to take action and correct the situation.
“With (Bill 124) found as unconstitutional, we’ve been trying to get remediation for that for a number years,” she said. “Obviously the employer isn’t able to provide that, because they’re just not given the funding by the government to provide that, so that’s what our push is right now. Although we’re out on strike with Community Living Hanover, it’s actually the Ford government that we’re making the big push with.”
The picketing is part of “Worth Fighting For”, a province-wide initiative urging fair funding for social services from the provincial government.
While OPSEU and other unions protest across Ontario, members of provincial parliament have taken an early summer break and won’t return until October 27.
Watson mentions that the lack of provincial support has affected everyone at Community Living.
“A lot of these folks are working multiple jobs just to be able to survive. Some of the folks even having to use community services such as the food bank because they’re not making their wages,” she said. “On top of that, the programming hasn’t got the funding it needs to really function as well as it could be. The clients and residents living in supported homes are noticing an impact on what they can do.. as we know, groceries are going through the roof, so we need to try and keep up with that increase.”
Organizers say they’re urging both the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and the Ministry of Health to come together and ensure programs receive proper funding moving forward.
Randy, a client with Community Living, shared a poem Wednesday morning about their ongoing strike.
“Walking up and down the street with picket signs in hand, we won’t leave without a fight until someone hears our demands,” he said. “The enemy is going to find us there until our help is paid fair and square. How could the enemy keep us in debt while they somehow find funds for a wasteful jet? I hope when they look our way; they are getting nervous. They’re going to have to realize we’re providing a needed service.”
Watson mentioned picketers will be out in Hanover Monday through Friday from 8 a. m. to 1 p. m., inviting anyone who wants to show support.
This Thursday, OPSEU Local 276 along with Owen Sound Family Health Team will host a by-donation hot dog lunch and Q& A session from 11 a. m. to 1 p. m. on Giche-name-m’wikwedong 10th Street bridge in Owen Sound.
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