Thousands of community and social service workers across Ontario have gone on strike today, demanding more funding for the services they provide.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) says long-term underfunding has forced many workers to take extra jobs just to pay their bills, while leaving vulnerable people without enough support.
The union says today’s strike joins others that began over the weekend, and some workers have also been locked out by employers. In total, nearly two dozen organizations are now affected.
Along with more funding, workers are also asking for retroactive pay linked to Bill 124, which limited public sector wage increases before being ruled unconstitutional. While many public workers have since received back pay, OPSEU says community and social service workers are still waiting.
OPSEU president JP Hornick says the workers are standing up for their communities and deserve support. The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services has not yet responded to the situation.
