Updated at 12:20
Children’s aid workers say they hope that their employer’s willingness to go back to the bargaining table tomorrow signals both an end to the lockout that began on December 23 as well as a return to work.
The lockout of child welfare workers is heading into its eighth week in the districts of Nipissing and Parry Sound.
“We are eager for an end to the lockout and for a deal that means we can keep children safe,” said Debbie Hill, president of Local 2049 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
In a news release the union says "CAS workers want to address aspects of their jobs that keep them from providing the best possible child protection services to vulnerable families."
CUPE says excessive workloads – too much work for too few staff – is their main issue.
-----
Original story:
There's some hope this morning in the Children's Aid Society dispute.
The Society announced in a news release today that it has prepared a new proposal for its unionized staff and urged CUPE Local 2049 to return to negotiations.
“We called on CUPE Local 2049 to join us at the negotiating table without delay so that we can present our new proposal. We value our staff and want them back at work” said Gisèle Hébert, Executive Director, Nipissing and Parry Sound CAS.
“We are ready to once again tackle the key outstanding issues.”
CUPE Local 2049 has accepted the invitation and the parties will meet, with the assistance of a conciliator, tomorrow.
