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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Wednesday, October 30, 2013 | 10 March of Dimes workers locked out in Oakville by Scott Stewart Oakville Beaver Staff The management of the Ontario March of Dimes in Oakville locked out approximately 30 personal support workers (PSW) from its 259 Robinson St. building in downtown Oakville early Monday after a new contract was not reached. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Local 262 workers, mostly women working part-time, were asked to take a wage freeze for the first three years of a new contract, as well as accept reduced benefits and vacation time and agree to the removal of a one-day compassionate leave for emergencies. "These workers are concerned about the consumers, who won't be getting the care they need," said Laurie Miller, OPSEU campaigns officer. "The March of Dimes is a charity that's supposed to look after people with disabilities." OPSEU president Warren (Smokey) Thomas, who joined the locked-out workers yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon, said, "This is a so-called notfor-profit charity that has accumulated close to a million dollars in profit the past two years, but somehow it can't find the money to give its workers a fair wage increase. "Our goal is to get you back in there as soon as we can," Thomas told the Oakville workers yesterday. "Let's hope it's short, but if it drags on, we're with you 100 per cent." Thomas, a registered practical nurse, with a background in mental health, said he understands the work his members do at the Oakville facility, and told them he was "sure you're probably greatly missed by the people in there." The locked-out workers were replaced by external, temporary workers at 7 a.m. on Monday. "The consumers are the clients," said Jolene Schotsman, a PSW for more than 10 years at the Oakville facility. "They are people with disabilities who need assistance with their dayto-day lives so they can live independently. We provide those vital services." Last Thursday, Schotsman and co-worker Carolyn LaFee, Local 262 bargaining member, led an information picket at the building. Joining in were several building residents, who wanted to show support. Resident Constance Benson, powered her motorized wheelchair to a stopped van on Lakeshore Road to hand Personal support workers at the Ontario March of Dimes building at 259 Robinson St. were locked out Monday. | photo by Nikki Wesley ­ Oakville Beaver out pamphlets. "I'm upset because they're locking my helpers out," Benson said. "I can't function without them. I have no idea what will happen if they're not here." Residents had signs attached to their wheelchairs and scooters, and drew honks of support from passing motorists as they followed behind a banner carried by Schotsman and LaFee that read Stop The March of Millions. "It means a lot that the consumers were here," said Schotsman. "They stand behind us, they support us. They're not listening to the employer who are making it sound like we're walking away from them." The Ontario March of Dimes in Oakville could not be reached for comment as of press deadline yesterday. AT THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, HALL 6 WED. OCT. 30 - SUN. NOV. 3 SELECTED Men's Suits Thousands of 100% wool, Italian, German, Canadian and other designer suits. Women's Wear 3 for $650 $450 Men's CLEARANCE Sports Jackets $ Men's Dress 3 for $1,000 750 Starting at $149 Shirts & Pants Starting at only $10! $ ,050 up to 90% OFF Starting at $50 2 for 1 3 for $1,200 1 FEATURING OVER 10,000 MEN'S SUITS FINAL T ONLY A International Centre, Hall 6 ­ 6900 Airport Rd. corner of Airport & Derry Rd. · Lots of free parking Oct. 30 ­ Nov. 3 · Wed-Fri 11-8 · Sat 10-6 · Sun 11-6 For more information: 416-596-0297 toms-place.com facebook.com/TomsPlaceTO