OTTAWA,
ON, July 27, 2024 /CNW/ - Ontario's former Child Advocate from
2008-2019, Irwin Elman, will join
Children's Aid Society of Ottawa
workers on strike this coming Tuesday morning as they enter their
fourth week on strike. Elman's visit comes on the coat tails of
continuing negotiations, with mediation scheduled this Monday
between workers and management after negotiations broke down last
week over mass lay-offs – a line in the sand for both parties. Kids
can't afford further cuts; workers are fighting for better.
"In my mind, the strike at the Children's Aid Society of
Ottawa is an SOS: an act of
courage," said Elman, in a letter of support penned to striking
workers on July 26. "It is an SOS for the growing and
ever-increasing needs of children and families in our communities.
It is an SOS for the staff who must walk alongside."
WHEN: Tuesday, July 30,
2024 – 1:00 pm
WHERE: 109 Catherine St, Ottawa, ON – MPP Joel Harden's offices
WHAT: Community press conference where Local 454
leadership will provide negotiation updates; Elman to draw
comparisons between Ontario and
British Columbia in the recent
report by the Representative for Child and Youth British Columbia,
"Don't Look Away," on the dangers of an antiquated child welfare
system.
WHO: Irwin Elman,
Ontario's former Child Advocate;
Michele Thorn, President of
OPSEU/SEFPO Local 454 representing over 320 workers at the
Children's Aid Society of Ottawa
(CASO) workers; Eric Shonbacher, child protection worker;
Kate Dudley-Logue, Vice President,
Community Outreach of the Ontario Autism Coalition (OAC)
SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)