Written By David Gomez
STRATHROY – Signs calling for fair wages, increased funding and shorter wait lists filled the sidewalk outside MPP Steve Pinsonneault’s Strathroy office on July 23, as developmental services workers gathered as part of an ongoing labour dispute.
Most of those attending were workers with Community Living London, joined by some employees from Middlesex Community Living.
Lisa Fewster, a local president with OPSEU/SEFPO, said Community Living London workers were entering their ninth week of strike action. She said their concerns extend beyond wages to funding and access to developmental services.
“We’re not out here just about wages,” Fewster said. “We’re truly out here to fix the crisis because people [are] not being able to get services.”
Fewster said the union is seeking additional provincial funding for agencies providing developmental services and wants the government to address the effects of Bill 124. She also pointed to wait lists for people seeking support and financial pressures facing service providers.
The gathering was one of several actions being organized by union members across Ontario. Fewster said about 4,500 members were taking part in different forms of labour action throughout the province.
She added that some striking workers have faced financial difficulties during the dispute, with members establishing a food bank to help affected families.
