Despite ongoing negotiations, Participation House Durham Region focused on supporting staff and ensuring care for families

OSHAWA, ON, June 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Fiscal realities have made our negotiations with CUPE 2963 difficult, but we've dug deep to ensure the best deal for our valued staff.

On June 14^th Participation House Durham Region tabled the details of their final offer to CUPE Local 2963 bargaining representatives that includes a 5% increase in take home wages over the next four years.

"We are committed to reaching an agreement that recognizes staff contribution, reflects fiscal constraints, and honors safe and reliable care as our top priority," said Michelle Marshall, executive director of PHDR.

This effort was made in the face of ongoing budgetary constraints imposed by the province across the developmental sector. Participation House believes that staffs play a central role in our ability to provide stable, secure, and continuous care for our community.

Several steps have been taken by management to ensure PHDR is able to support the needs of staff and clients. Here are some of the steps taken so far:

• In a response to funding constraints from the Government of Ontario, management salaries have been frozen for the past two years; and
  
  
• PHDR used creative solutions to find necessary $30,000 required to follow through on the government's legislated 1% payroll increase for staff members - without cutting services to our clients.

"We wouldn't ask our employees to do something we would not do ourselves. We realize that we are all in this together, that's why we eliminated two management positions and cut hours of existing positions to ensure job security for unionized employees", Marshall continued.

The number one priority of staff, families, and supporters at PHDR is the safety and security of those we support.

The last 16 months have been trying times for both the PHDR community and for families all across Durham Region. A struggling economy and limited government support has forced PHDR, like many families in Durham Region, to pull back on spending, find ways to reduce expenses and live within our means.

Participation House continues to be dedicated to reaching an agreement with CUPE 2936 that puts our clients and their families first.

On June 4^th PHDR management were advised that CUPE filed for a no board with the Ministry of Labour. These actions put our employees in a legal strike position on June 23^rd.

"We believe this is a very good offer, that it will enable all of us at Participation House to put families first. It is particularly generous in the context of these difficult financial times. Despite the No Board our focus continues to be reaching an agreeable solution", Marshall concluded.

Participation House is confident that employees will recognize the value in the current offer and will help us get back to serving our community.

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