Social service workers at Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County on strike

Social service workers at Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County are on strike after talks failed to get management back to the bargaining table over the weekend.

Cathy Thomas, President of CUPE local 4325 says the agency provides programs for at-risk children, youth, and their families.

“The work is overwhelming. It’s overwhelming for our members when we’re working everyday, let alone to not be there, and we’re all very concerned. It was with a heavy heart that our members left the office Friday at 4:30 p.m.”

Thomas says picket lines go up today in Guelph.

“It’s about wage parity and fairness. And our senior management team and our executive director, if you want to check the exact numbers they’re on the Sunshine list, and one year three or four of our senior managers took a 9.34% increase; when we were at zero’s.”

She says CUPE will continue to reach out for a negotiated settlement and hope to meet over the weekend before picket signs go up.

A statement on the Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County website describes what the strike means for local families.

What this means for Guelph and Wellington families and agencies:

  • Family & Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County remains open for business. We will continue to provide essential services to children and families in Guelph and Wellington County.
  • At this time, non-urgent services such as community meetings will be postponed.
  • Head office remains open at 275 Eramosa Rd. in Guelph.
  • Families in need of services may contact 824-2410 or 1-800-265-8300, 24 hours a day.

An online petition on the CUPE website has over 300 signatures.

Their previous contract expired March 31, 2015.

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