ONE KIDS PLACE STAFF ISSUE STRIKE MANDATE OVER REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
MUSKOKA — A local labour dispute threatens health services for children with rehabilitative needs including occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and autism.
A strike mandate for the 73 professional workers represented by OPSEU/SEFPO at One Kids Place (OKP) has been issued by members to its bargaining team.
In all 97 per cent voted in favour of strike action — if needed, they say in a release today.
“A strong strike vote hands the bargaining team a powerful tool,” said union president Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
“It tells management that members are solidly behind their team, even if it means a strike. It’s a clear sign the employer is on the wrong track.”
Professional staff at One Kids Place has been without a contract since March 31, 2021.
The union’s regional vice president Tara Maszczakiewicz says most contract matters have been settled with the exception of the employer’s attempt to impose a new model of working hours.
“OKP employees have long been successfully flexing hours to meet client needs,” said Maszczakiewicz. “Now the employer wants to impose a casual-worker model, where hours can change from day-to-day, week-to-week with limited ability to flex hours.
“Most of our members are primary caregivers,” she said. “The employer’s model would cause upheaval to members’ lives and would affect services to the children they care for. This is not acceptable and we’ll stand our ground on this.”
OKP provides children with rehabilitative health care services in eight principal areas, including occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and autism services.
The union says staff is held in high esteem by clients for their professionalism, compassion and commitment.
“These experienced professionals care deeply for the children they look after and their community. They’re passionate about their work,” added Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida, the union’s first vice-president.
“All they’re asking for is some small leeway to look after their own families as well, just as they’ve been doing for years. Overturning the apple cart now makes no sense. It’s unfair to staff and the children they care for.”
Thomas said management is doing a disservice to the children who depend on One Kids Place and that altering working conditions is a double-edged sword.
“When these members flex their hours, 90 per cent of the time it’s to accommodate clients’ families. If rigid hours are imposed, staff will leave when their hours are up. How does that help the child who needs help at 6 a.m. or 10 p.m.?
“Bottom line? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Back off this senseless demand. Don’t deprive kids of the services they rely on because of a wrong-headed power grab.”
