Page 4. Why Fme Press, Wodnesday, Mach 1,1996 e *ATSA Y & *ED SAY FEHOGNCCIKN&BE*AD O** RED * KL YWCA open despite strike Emploee of Oshawa YWCA's resdenial and community programas went on strike on Saturday. The 24 fuli-time and part-time employees of the YCA have been trying to negotiate a first contract uince May of 1993. They have been in a legal strike poi)n since an. 140of hs ear. pTheè workers9 provide services to, women and their children ini the Oshawa area, many of whom have heen victime of abuse..* th ! Tlhe YWCA is keeping h womensé hostel open by using managers and others, as permit- ted under the Ontario Laour Relations Act, says executive director Eva Martin Blythe. The hostel will provide emer- gency shelter and crisis counsel- lng servces to women who are victime of violence and their chil- dren. Programs and- services pro- vided by the YWCA recreation and fitness department are not affctd b te abour dispute. The main issues in the dispute are: 0 failure te negotiate a collective agreement, after almost two years of contract talks 0 outstanding issues, including seniority, layoffs, job postings, hours of work, job classification e overtime, paid liolidays, vacation time, benefits, sick time, duration of the contract, in conjunction with the proposed wage adjustinent which was unacceptable te, the negotiating coxrnittee and membership. 0# the union says there is a "perception" that the Oshawa YWCA is not talcdng employees' concerns seriously. There was an 82 per cent strike vote on Feb. 20. The workers are members of CURE Local- 2936-06. They have set up picket limes in front of the Oshawa YWCA headquarters at 33 and 55 McGrigor St. 'Outstanding fundraiser toaeev Downey, president of the Whitby chapter of the foundation. "Janet's contribution is exemplary." "As a fitness club we encourage aur inembers te, lead healthy lifestyles, and James efforts through Dance for Heart helps inembers better understand he need to, exercise," say Jack Sharma, president ofEa~n Women's Jiealth Club. Dance for Heart is a fundraising aerobic event initiated by the foundation te raise rooney for heart and stroke research and public education. The gift Of appreciation preaented to, Presley was donated byDonlands Jewellers.