Social service workers, Region reach deal

A union representing Halton social service workers has reached a tentative agreement with the Region on a new contract for its 70 affected members. The tentative deal was struck at 3 a.m. last Tuesday (Jan. 9) after a long day of negotiations, said CUPE national representative Daniela Scarpelli. At this point, both the Region and CUPE said they couldn't disclose details surrounding the agreement because it hasn't been ratified. A ratification meeting for the members of CUPE Local 3732-- representing Halton social service workers who provide employment referral and income support to social assistance recipients -- is slated for today (Wednesday). Halton acting Director of Human Resource Services John Phelan said regional council will also have to ratify the contract. Council is next scheduled to meet January 24. In November, the Local 3732 members voted 96 per cent in favour of strike action, but never hit the picket line. At that time, the union alleged the workers were stressed and overworked, while the Region declined to comment. Scarpelli said she thinks the social service workers got a "decent" contract, while Phelan called the tentative agreement a "good news story."