Canadian Mental Health Association workers in Thunder Bay could be in a legal strike position in September.
Laurie Koval, union steward for Ontario Public Sector Employee Union Local 720, said after the most recent round negotiations broke down, a strike mandate was sought.
“We had a phenomenal turnout of members to cast a vote and ultimately they voted 93 per cent in favour of a strike mandate,” Koval said, reached by phone.
Koval said the employer has told workers that many of the issues their seeking to renegotiate are non-negotiable.
Koval last month said they were seeking slight increases in pay and flexibility when it comes to certain scheduling, adding crisis workers would like the ability to work a combination of eight- and 12-hour shifts, not just eight-hour ones.
The union won’t be in a legal strike position until after they meet with a conciliator, expected to happen at a yet-to-be-determined date in September.
“After conciliation, if we can’t come to an agreement and if they order a no-board, after that we’d be in a legal strike position.”
Koval is crossing her fingers, but preparing for the worst-case scenario to play out.
“I’m very hopeful,” she said. “But I wouldn’t say I’m confident at this time.”
