DSW Week 2024 – June 17-21

CUPE 2977 Executives, Stewards, and Committees got together to celebrate DSW week.  Each day we held signs at each site to show our members appreciation of all the hard work they do for the people they support.  We also had multiple people who were driving by honk and wave while we were out holding signs.

          

 

A thank you bag was handed out to each member.  It also had an information card with the contact info and pictures for all of the 2977 Executive, Stewards, Strike Committee, Bargaining Committee and Health and Safety reps.  It also had a special treat from Boxed Cookies Co. We love supporting small and women owned businesses so we encourage you all to check them out at https://boxedcookiesandco.com or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/boxedcookiesandco/. The cookie flavour you all received is funfetti dunkaroo, and trust us it’s DELICIOUS.

   
Being a DSW can be incredibly challenging, but is also so incredibly rewarding too. It takes big hearts and compassion to do what we do – so THANK YOU – to each and every one of you for all your hard work and making the lives of the people we support better.
We hope you’ve had a wonderful DSW week.

 

Bargaining update – June 7 – 2024

Dear Members,

We want to update you on the progress of our negotiations. Today, we had face-to-face negotiations with the employer and, after over nine hours of discussion, we could not agree on anything. Given the slow progress, the bargaining team has decided to move to the next step: filing for conciliation. This will push the employer to meet our demands.

Keep an eye on emails and text messages from us as we will be planning a date for an in person strike mandate vote within the coming weeks.

In solidarity,

Your CUPE 2977 Bargaining Committee

Press release – June 6, 2024

Attention local 2977 members,
This morning we delivered our open letter to the Board of Directors where 75 per cent of members signed!
We want to thank you all for taking the time to sign the letter and talk to your coworkers about the importance of having our voices heard in advance of tomorrow’s bargaining date. This was absolutely a group effort and we will of course will keep you notified as to how tomorrow goes.
Until then please see the below link for press release about our letter and bargaining.

Visit from MPP Sam Oosterhoff – May 31, 2024

Dear members,
You may have seen that MPP Sam Oosterhoff toured Fly Road this morning with Paul McGowan. Together they celebrated the work being done by the agency.
We are tired of being celebrated when it’s convenient and ignored the rest of the time. We are tired of being called heroes for the work we do but paid wages that force us to have second or third jobs. We’re tired of being attacked on the job, assaulted, and taken for granted – and this media stunt does nothing to change that.
The only way we’re going to change things is through collective action. We need to demand better. That’s why we’re asking all members to sign our petition, if you need to sign it please contact us!
If you’ve already signed, fantastic! Now talk to your coworkers and get them to add their names too. We have 6 days to deliver a resounding message to the Board of Directors before we go back to the bargaining table next Friday.
Sam Oosterhoff is not a friend of workers. And the Ford Conservatives are not friends to developmental services in particular. CUPE has asked numerous times for the chance to meet with the Minister responsible for our sector, to explain the crisis we’re facing and to come up with solutions, and we have been ignored. This government does not care about us or the people we support.
If we want better, we have to demand it.
In Solidarity,
Your 2977 Executive and Bargaining Committee

May 16, 2024 Bargaining Update

Today at the bargaining table, the employer presented an offer for settlement that fell short of our expectations.

During this time, we diligently crafted multiple packages aimed at securing gains in benefits, language, and wages. Our next scheduled day of negotiations is June 7, 2024.

Stay attentive, as the bargaining team will be reaching out for your support in the coming weeks. Your involvement and solidarity are crucial as we continue to advocate for our collective interests.

In Solidarity,

CUPE 2977 Bargaining Committee

May 14, 2024 Bargaining update

Today marked the seventh day of direct negotiations with the employer, and we’re making tangible progress. Both sides collaborated effectively, reaching agreements on several non-monetary issues. Our bargaining team has presented comprehensive monetary proposals, advocating for enhanced benefits, overtime compensation, and wages.

Now, it’s time to intensify our efforts. Thursday, May 16th is designated as SOLIDARITY DAY. We urge all members to proudly wear your CUPE 2977 shirts or any shade of green and stand in solidarity with our bargaining team. Together, we’re steadfastly pushing for improvements in our working conditions and ensuring our voices are heard.

In Solidarity,

Your Bargaining Committee

We are turning up the heat! – Bargaining update May 10, 2024

Dear 2977 Members:

I hope this message finds you all well. Today, we reconvened with the employer for another round of face-to-face negotiations. Once again, we were presented with proposals filled with concessions and cutbacks across various aspects, granting the employer increased flexibility at the expense of the life and work balance of our members.

At CUPE, we stand firm in our stance against concessions. Our commitment lies in moving negotiations forward, not backward. As the bargaining process intensifies, so does our resolve to advocate for the rights and well-being of our members.

Your unwavering support is invaluable as we navigate these challenging negotiations. Together, we will persist in championing the greater good for all involved.

Thank you for standing in solidarity with us.

Warm regards,

Your Bargaining Committee

Bargaining update – May 9, 2024

We convened once more with the employer today, marking the fourth day of our face-to-face negotiations. Regrettably, the pace of progress remains sluggish, with the employer persisting in proposing concessions while simultaneously pressing for the withdrawal of vital language crucial to our interests.

Despite these challenges, our resolve remains unwavering. We are committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of our members, standing firm in our principles and objectives. As we prepare for another day of negotiations tomorrow, we are hopeful that a breakthrough may be on the horizon, enabling us to bring more positive news to share.

In solidarity,

Bargaining Team

Bargaining – March 21, 2024

Today marked our third negotiation session with the employer, and we wanted to provide you with an update on our progress.

While the process is unfolding at a slower pace than anticipated, it’s important to note that we’re steadfast in our commitment to securing better working conditions for all of us.  The employer has presented proposals that, unfortunately, do not align with the locals vision for improvement.  However, rest assured that the bargaining team is diligently representing your interests at the table. We were able to agree on one thing today.

We refuse to entertain any concessions that compromise the well-being and rights of our workforce. Our resolve remains unwavering—we will continue to advocate for what each and every one of you rightfully deserves.

Stay engaged and stay informed. Together, we will persevere until we achieve the fair and just outcomes we seek. Your support and solidarity are invaluable as we navigate through these negotiations.

We will be meeting next with the Employer on May 9, 10, 14, and 16.

Stay tuned for further updates.

In solidarity,

Your Bargaining Committee

Bargaining – March 20, 2024

Today was the second day at the bargaining table. There were many conversations, the employer did not move on much.  The Bargaining Committee worked diligently creating counter proposals to provide the employer for day three.  We loved seeing all your pictures! Keep them coming!