MBC News File Photo
Local families affected by the ongoing development worker strike took their turn on the picket line ahead of the weekend.
Renfrew-based clients of Community Living Renfrew County South and their caretakers marched along Raglan Street South on Friday, July 17, taking the place of OPSEU Local 472 members who were simultaneously demonstrating in Arnprior.
Charlene Riopelle is a parent of an adult with developmental disabilities and a founder of the volunteer-based group Renfrew County Voices. She explained that clients of Community Living are struggling without the programming and support staff they have relied on for years.
She adds that the turnout in Renfrew on Friday was encouraging as the strike now reaches the two-month mark.
Parents on the picket line are hoping to see the Community Living office, which Riopelle says has slowly seen attendance dwindle since the pandemic, make a full return to form to ensure the people who rely on the organization have the structure in place for a fulfilling life.
Local OPSEU members have invited CLRCS to engage in another round of bargaining talks, but any future negotiation sessions have not been publicly announced.
(written by Kasey Egan)
