CUPE 4914 commences strike action against Peel Children's Aid Society

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 18, 2016) - Front-line, administrative and support staff at the Children's Aid Society of the Region of Peel (Peel CAS), members of Local 4914 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 4914) have commenced a legal strike today against their employer.

"While our goal was to secure a fair collective agreement with no disruption of service, Peel CAS' refusal to negotiate any further left us with no choice but to take strike action," said Sonia Yung, President of CUPE 4914.

"We urge the public to join us in calling on Peel CAS to return to the bargaining table quickly to resolve the outstanding issues. Residents deserve no less than our full commitment to ensuring they have the vital services people depend on across the Region," she added.

The strike commenced at 12:01 a.m. this morning. Picket lines are expected to be established at Peel CAS' main offices by Monday morning.

The 435 members of CUPE 4914 have been without a collective agreement since March 31. While many issues have been dealt with in bargaining, a number remain outstanding, including language around workloads and working conditions.

"Our goals in this round are extremely reasonable. Our members want a safer, healthier, more dignified working environment, something Peel CAS seems unwilling to budge on," said Yung.

"Our bargaining committee remains available to resume negotiations, on extremely short notice. Unfortunately, we have not heard from Peel CAS, so we have no alternative at this stage," said Yung.