A strike authorization vote is expected in the coming weeks
More than 125 workers represented by OPSEU Local 441 have filed for conciliation after contract talks with Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health broke down.
Conciliation is required under the Ontario Labour Relations Act before a union can take strike action. The dispute centres mainly on wages.
The union says members are paid significantly less than workers in local hospitals, with some earning $10 to $15 less per hour. It argues that low pay makes it hard to recruit and retain staff, especially ahead of the planned launch of the Brockville-based HART Hub.
On March 16, Doug Ford said more than 1,200 residents have accessed HART Hubs across Ontario. However, the Brockville location remains unopened.
The union is calling on local MPP and House Leader Steve Clark to support mental health services. A strike authorization vote is expected in the coming weeks.
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