CANADIAN LABOUR

IDEAL CHILD CARE SERVICES WORKERS NEED YOUR HELP:

About 65 workers at five Ideal Child Services sites will be in a legal strike position as of March 8. These workers, represented by CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees) Local 2484 do not want to strike, but neither can they afford to fall further behind on wages and benefits as compared to other child care workers. They are asking you to join them in solidarity and send Ideal management the following letter. To join this campaign go to http://cupe.ca/action/idealchildservices .

THE LETTER:

High quality child care for children and their families goes hand-in-hand with good working conditions for child care workers. That’s why I am asking you to return to mediation with CUPE 2484 on March 5 with a plan to reach a fair settlement with your staff.

Ideal staff wages and benefits are considerably lower than those at other unionized, parent-run community child care centres. And, staff deserve a decent, employer paid health plan. Employees who are off on sick leave need job security so they know that when they are well enough, they will be able to return to work. Pitting the rights of temporary employees against sick employees is unfair and does not contribute to a positive work environment.

Please return to mediation meeting in good faith to negotiate a fair settlement and avert a strike.