“We want a fair contract – not Timbits” OCEU rally crashed by employer

MARKHAM, ON –(COMMUNITYWIRE)– Members of the OCEU/CUPE 1750 set up a picket line outside the New Horizons in Safety conference today. The conference, being held at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference center, is meant to showcase leaders in occupational health and safety. Among the keynote speakers will be senior leaders from the WSIB, and Ontario’s Minister of Labour.

WSIB staff are on strike due to ongoing occupational health and safety concerns resulting from significant workload issues and understaffing. “Our members are the ones who implement the programs the WSIB leadership is celebrating today,” said Harry Goslin, President of OCEU/CUPE 1750. “WSIB Leaders should be back at the bargaining table prioritizing the needs of their employees and the injured workers we are here to take care of. Instead of doing what’s right for their employees and workers in Ontario somehow, they have time to come to this conference and pat themselves on the back.”

The WSIB management sent Aaron Lazarus, their communications representative to the rally with timbits for the striking workers.

“We don’t want timbits, we want you back at the table,” said Goslin. “If the WSIB wants to be a leader in occupational health and safety, they need to address the workplace hazards in their own shop first,” added Nicole Francis, the unions Chief Steward. “Our members are struggling while the WSIB and Ford government pat themselves on the back for giving $4 billion back to employers. It’s shameful.”

OCEU/CUPE 1750 is still waiting for the employer to return to the table with a fair offer. The rally in Markham will take place from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

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For more information, please contact:

Bill Chalupiak, CUPE Communications Representative
wchalupiak@cupe.ca
416-707-1401