Employer offered $700 gift card instead of wage hikes: OPSEU
Negotiators for the therapists, counsellors, and child and youth workers at New Path Youth and Family Services reached a tentative settlement with the employer July 13.
The 86 staff at the child and youth mental health agency belong to the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Local 332. They would have been in a legal strike or lockout position as of Friday at 12:01 a.m., said the union.
Talks had stalled with the employer — who was offering $700 gift cards in lieu of the modest wage hike workers had sought, according to OPSEU.
"We were asking for a small cost-of-living increase," said Scott Stratton, bargaining team chair. "I'm glad we were finally able to convince the employer that $700 was not the right way to compensate staff for their long hours and dedication to their work."
The tentative deal will now go to the workers for a ratification vote, said the union.
