A delegation of locked out CUPE Local 2049 workers from Nipissing and Parry Sound Children’s Aid Society will travel by bus today to Queen’s Park in an attempt to bring an end to the lockout that’s lasted for nine weeks. Over 50 front line child protection workers and administrative and support staff from CAS are scheduled to meet individual MPPs from across the province during their day at the legislature. The locked-out workers will ask for legislators’ support to help end the labour dispute.
The locked-out workers have meetings scheduled with MPPs throughout the day, and will also attend morning Question Period in the legislature, where they will receive a welcome to Queen’s Park from members of all three political parties. Local 2049 President Debbie Hill says they are going to Queen’s Park not only on their own behalf, but also for the vulnerable children and families that this lockout has put at risk. Hill says they want to go back to their jobs, and continue doing the vital work that keeps children safe in their communities.
The union and the society last met in bargaining on February 10th. Following a day-and-a-half of discussions, a CAS representative wrote CUPE’s negotiator to say the employer sees no value in returning to the table at this time.
