Development services workers have begun marching along Downtown Renfrew in search of a better deal for themselves and their clients.
Local OPSEU 472 president Shannon Waddell led fellow workers through their first day of picketing on Monday, May 25. She recognizes the uplifting support that they have received from families and clients, as well as the broader community, as they fight for fair wages and increased funding from the provincial government.
On top of bringing wages back to where they would have been before they were unconstitutionally frozen under Bill 124, Waddell says workers want to secure the future of their services for the people they assist.
Community Living has told OLDIES News that measures are in place to maintain essential supports and services, and they will continue to communicate with people and their families about how the strike may impact programs and services. Waddell says workers only know that professionally vetted staff have been lined up as the strike continues.
Picketing will continue from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily in Renfrew, and from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Thursdays and Fridays in Arnprior.
(written by Kasey Egan)
