Community News

DEAL REACHED BETWEEN CLASS, UNION

EMPLOYEES WHO WERE FIRED WILL BE ALLOWED TO RETURN TO WORK

BRAD PRITCHARD bpritchard@simcoe.com

An agreement has been reached between Community Living Association of South Simcoe (CLASS) and the union representing group home workers over a labour dispute that has been unfolding for several months.

On March 15, CLASS and OPSEU/SEFPO released a joint statement, which says both parties have "resolved the issues" related to the firing of three employees who were members of the union's leadership team, and that those workers will be returning to work. "CLASS and OPSEU/SEFPO acknowledge the importance of protecting the safety of all CLASS employees while protecting and safeguarding the interests and privacy of the people that CLASS serves," reads a portion of the statement.

"CLASS respects and acknowledges OPSEU/SEFPO's right to advocate for its members' rights, and for employees to participate in the lawful activities of their union, including the right to lawfully gather. Appropriate measures have been put in place to deal with the concerns that led to the dismissal of the employees."

The statement also addresses a commitment to a health and safety process, as well as the concerns that were initially raised by the union in December about the increasing level of violence workers are facing in group homes.

"CLASS and OPSEU/ SEFPO look forward to

working together towards a safe and healthy workplace and harmonious labour relations," reads the statement.

Three protests have been staged by the union in

Alliston over the past three months, including two outside the CLASS building on Dufferin Street South and one at Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson's office on Parsons Road.

NEWS

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2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://communitynews.pressreader.com/article/281595244778086

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