MBC News file photo
Thousands of community and social service workers across Ontario remain on strike as they continue pushing for better wages, increased provincial funding and improved support for front-line services.
Locally, members of OPSEU Local 204 with the Norfolk Association for Community Living (NACL) gathered outside MPP Bobbi Ann Brady’s constituency office this past Thursday (July 2), where Brady voiced her support for workers and called for greater accountability from the provincial government.
The province-wide labour dispute began on May 25 and includes workers from nearly two dozen community organizations. OPSEU says years of underfunding have left many workers among the lowest-paid in the broader public sector while reducing access to services for vulnerable Ontarians.
Workers are also seeking retroactive compensation related to Bill 124, which capped public sector wage increases before being ruled unconstitutional. While many public sector employees have since received retroactive wage increases, many community service workers say they are still waiting. Brady said she opposed Bill 124, arguing it undervalued the work of front-line public servants.
Brady acknowledged that one of the challenges facing Developmental Services Workers is that many people in the community do not fully understand the scope and importance of the work they do.
Developmental Services Workers support people with developmental disabilities by providing daily care, teaching life and employment skills, delivering behavioural supports and promoting independence. Workers at the rally said more than 61,000 children are waiting for autism services in Ontario, while more than 52,000 adults with developmental disabilities remain on waitlists for support.
Those gathered at the rally said they feel they have not received adequate support from the NACL Board of Directors during the labour dispute, describing the situation as deeply discouraging.
Brady said she cannot negotiate collective agreements but pledged to continue raising questions at Queen’s Park and advocating for workers and families who rely on community services. She said fair compensation is essential to improving recruitment, retaining experienced staff and ensuring government investments reach the front lines where they are needed most.
Finally, Brady criticized the provincial government’s legislative calendar, noting the Ontario Legislature began a 21-week summer recess on June 2 and is not scheduled to return until October 27. She questioned how issues affecting vulnerable residents and front-line workers could be addressed while the legislature is away for nearly five months.
Written by Jeremy Hall
