Community Living London and OPSEU Local 166 have come to an agreement, concluding a nearly three-month strike that led to hundreds of community and social workers going on strike in late May. In a statement released on Thursday, Community Living London expressed a commitment to moving forward with reconciliation and renewed vigor.
The union’s demands included retroactive pay linked to Bill 124, which restricted public sector wage increases to one percent and was later declared unconstitutional. Additionally, they sought increased funding, with the union’s president, Lisa Fewster, highlighting the challenges faced by the sector, including a substantial waitlist of individuals in need of assistance.
Acknowledging that the core issue lay with the provincial government, which provides funding for Community Living London, Fewster emphasized the necessity for government intervention to address the pressing needs of the supported individuals.
In response to inquiries from CBC News regarding the terms of the agreement, the union did not provide a response. Community Living London stated that updates on the resumption of full services would be communicated in due course.
The resolution of the strike brought significant relief to Carla Dew and her 25-year-old son Mitchell, who has autism and Tourette syndrome and relied on Community Living London for structured support and community engagement. Dew described the strike’s impact on their lives as a complete upheaval, emphasizing the crucial role the organization played in Mitchell’s routine and well-being.
During the strike, Dew assumed the responsibility of providing Mitchell’s daily routines, but the toll on her well-being became evident, leading her to seek external assistance. She expressed gratitude to the workers at Community Living London for their invaluable support and advocacy for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Dew emphasized the importance of fair compensation for the workers, recognizing the essential and demanding nature of their work.