Workers with local OPSEU 472 will enter their third week of picketing in Renfrew and Arnprior as negotiations between employers and the province remain at a stand-still.
Rhonda Allaby-Glass, a local social worker, says they are overwhelmed, often working two jobs to make ends meet while being needed for long shifts, overtime, and holidays to provide supportive living assistance for people with developmental disabilities.
She adds that their employers turning to replacement labour in the wake of the strike is putting a strain on their clients’ well-being.
On top of an unconstitutional 1% cap on wage increases as a result of Bill 124 and a desperate need for more provincial funding for services, Allaby-Glass says tenured social workers are facing demotions that come with pay cuts and longer days.
Community Living has said that measures are in place to maintain essential supports and services, but workers are skeptical about how thorough those plans are.
Allaby-Glass encourages the community to continue supporting striking social workers as the picket line continues and urges people to write to provincial officials in favour of a fair deal.
(written by Kasey Egan)
