Insulting employer offer forces Napanee shelter workers to begin strike action

Main Image
Image
Workers hold Unifor flags during an information picket
Share

NAPANEE - Shelter workers at the Lennox and Addington Interval House (LAIH) initiated a strike on Friday, October 29, 2021.

"The decision to strike is never taken lightly, but members at the Lennox and Addington Interval House are firmly united in this decision. They know that workers and clients of the shelter deserve better than what management has offered at the table,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Members told their employer that enough is enough- the years of working short staffed must end, both for their well-being, and for clients of the homes.”

Workers already delayed their strike deadline by 10 days, hoping the employer would come back to the table with a fair and reasonable offer. Instead, the employer refused to acknowledge previously agreed to health and safety language and made no effort to improve on staffing levels, issues of respect and low wages.  

“Unifor members at LAIH are doing life-saving work in their community, and the very least they deserve is for respect and a fair collective agreement,” said Gord Currie, President of Unifor Local 414. “Members leafletted in the summer and community members answered their calls for support then, and we’ll need that support once again.”

The current collective agreement has been expired for more than one year and covers approximately 20 workers at LAIH. The unit voted 100% in favour of strike action. Workers are seeking the same or similar processes and benefits that sister agencies in neighbouring communities have, aiming to address issues of representation, disciplinary actions and job postings.  

Picket lines are set up at the Interval House Outreach Office at 47 Dundas Street, Napanee, Ontario where management operates.

Lennox and Addington Interval House is a shelter that serves women and children leaving domestic violence.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

To arrange in person, phone or FaceTime interviews or for more information please contact Unifor Communications Representative Sarah McCue at @email or 416-458-3307 (cell).