A demands for accountability is what led to a rally supporting striking workers, says Marvin Pupeza.
The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union’s national representative was one of around 150 people who marched from the Dilico Anishnabek Family Care offices on Heath Street to Service Ontario offices on James Street Friday morning to rally around Dilico’s 350 workers who are now on day 10 on the picket line.
“Today is about accountability both Dilico’s accountability for their decision-making and actions and also the (provincial) government in their responsibility for overseeing funding and how these type of agencies operate,” Pupeza said.
The workers had the support of eight other unions who stood on the lawn of Service Ontario waving flags, cheering and shouting “shame” as Pupeza spoke of Dilico’s responsibilities.
He’s hoping the rally gets Dilico management back to the table so that a collective agreement can be reached, something that could and should have been done a long time ago.
“I’m surprised we’re out here at all,” he said. “We didn’t want to be on strike. We’re here because we were forced into it.”
CEP local 7O president Candace Lavalley said despite the strike going on for more than a week, she hasn’t heard any complaints from members so far.
“Our members are feeling a little anxious but the morale is very high,” she said.
