Thirty-six staff at YMCA of Sudbury have unionized and are now officially members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union.
The workers were certified as members of OPSEU in a decision released by the Ontario Labour Relations Board on July 13. The vote itself took place July 7.
“More than 50 per cent of the ballots cast by employees in the bargaining unit were cast in favour of the applicant,” the board said. “A certificated will be issued to the applicant.”
All staff at the YMCA working in Employment Services and Newcomer Services are now OPSEU members, except supervisors and those above the rank of supervisor.
In a post on the union's website, OPSEU Regional Vice-President Jeff Arbus said he was pleased with the result of the vote.
“This is great news for these hardworking employees,” he said. “One of the many benefits they’ll enjoy with OPSEU membership is increased job security – something they badly need right now so they can better plan for the future.
“But it’s also good news for the Y and their clients. When working conditions are improved, staff retention is increased – and so is their experience and knowledge. The Y’s reputation as a prominent community partner will be enhanced, while clients will benefit even more from the help they receive.”
OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas said in the same post that programs offered by the YMCA were essential to the well-being of Ontario’s communities.
“An agency delivering them should be setting an example to the employers they work with by treating their employees with respect,” Thomas said. “We’ll be sitting down with the employer and these employees to make sure their employment conditions are fair.
“The newest members of the OPSEU family can rest assured that we’ll be working as hard for them as they do for the many people in Sudbury who reach out to them for help.”
