OPSEU members seek more development services fundingBy David LeaAn OPSEU press release pointed out thereOAKVILLE BEAVER STAFFis no shortage of need for developmentalservices workers stating the provincial wait-Ontario Public Service Employees Unionlist for residential supports has risen to more(OPSEU) workers at Oakvilles Central Westthan 12,000.Specialized Developmental Services facilityThe release also said there are currentlyjoined OPSEU workers across Ontario in16,000 people with a developmental disabili-protests, last week, calling on the Province toty, who receive residential supports acrossproperly fund developmental services.Ontario.Around a dozen workers braved the cold,The province must ensure that all devel-windy weather outside the Central West loca-opmentally delayed people in our communi-tion to hold an information picket on Bondties receive the quality services they deserve,Street where they voiced grievances oversaid OPSEU President Warren Thomas.how discrepancies in wages, pension andThese are particularly vulnerable peoplebenefits are threatening their profession andwho depend on the experienced and qualifiedthe welfare of their patients.staff in the developmental services sector.The government needs to do business inJames Duncan, executive director of a better way. Our goal is to have one collec-Central West Specialized Developmenttive agreement because we have some peopleServices (CWSDS) agrees with the positionin developmental services making $10 anhis workers have taken.hour and some making $26 or $27 an hour,Providing support for the ever changingall for the same work, said Sue Walker,needs of people with developmental disabili-OPSEU Developmental Service Chair. Weties is challenging in these difficult economicwant them to deal with the wage gap. If wetimes. CWSDS believes that additional fund-ERIC RIEHL / OAKVILLE BEAVERget a 1 per cent increase those making lessing provided to agencies would help to stabi-should get a 1.5 per cent increase. So theylize and strengthen this vital sector and aidQUALITY NOW:Sue Walker, Ontario Public Service Emplyees Union (OPSEU) Developmental eventually catch up, but we dont have toin our ability to respond to service challeng-Service Chair is pictured at an information picket outside Oakville's Central West Specialized wait.es, said Duncan in a statement released toDevelopmental Services facility last week.Walker said issues with low wages andThe Oakville Beaver.trained staff.work, said Walker.poor pensions and benefits have caused con-We continue to support our dedicatedWe dont have the same issues they have People do not quit their job all the time siderable personnel problems for some devel-staff as they provide a high level of service toacross the province. People coming and here, but in other places they do and its like opmental service facilities in Ontario.the people involved with CWSDS.going, they cant hire staff, they have unqual-a revolving door so the clients are not getting Poor pay, she said, results in a high turnified people. Here, you have to be qualified to the service they need.over rate, which in turn results in poorlywww.insideHALTON.com OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, April 29, 2011 20