(MBC NEWS FILE PHOTO)
Local social workers stepped away from the picket line on Friday, June 26, as the strike continues at Community Living Renfrew County South.
Local OPSEU 472 members caught up with clients and their families for a community BBQ at the myFM Centre as workers are still seeking higher wages and more funding from the province to protect supportive living assistance for people with developmental disabilities.
Union President Shannon Waddell says support from the community is keeping morale high.
Workers have been mostly seen demonstrating outside Community Living sites in Renfrew and Arnprior since late May, but Waddell points out that they have also been on the road to support fellow members in other communities like Brockville.
Communication has been crucial as the strike extends into its second month, with union members engaging multiple times a day to ensure everyone is taken care of as negotiations remain stalled.
Waddell says their demands have not changed since the start of the strike, as OPSEU is bargaining for a 6.5% wage increase to replace wages lost in provincial Bill 124 as well as local issues regarding demotions, schedule changes, and attacks on seniority.
(written by Kasey Egan)
