A strike at Elmira District Community Living by developmental service workers was averted earlier this week.

A tentative agreement, between the employer and members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 253, was reached over the weekend.

A total of 156 EDCL employees were set to strike on Sunday at midnight if a deal had not been reached.

A ratification vote was to be held by the union on Monday.

Workers held an information picket outside the facility last Thursday, in an effort to urge the employer to return to the table prior to Monday’s strike deadline.

According to a news release on March 7, the employer’s final offer included 16 cents in wage improvements over four years.

“I don’t see how the Ministry of Community and Social Services thought we could accept this offer,” stated OPSEU Local 253 president Trudy Allen in a press release. “This proposed contract came as a real slap in the face to all of the workers.”

OPSEU Local 253 workers provide developmental services to adults and seniors with disabilities in both the community and residential settings.

Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Michael Harris sent a letter to the Minister of Community and Social Services John Milloy to raise concerns about the labour dispute.

He called on Milloy and his government to “do the right thing” and implement a public-sector wage freeze.

“If not, will you then, at least, send a clear message to OPSEU, telling its members they must do their part to ensure we make it through these tough economic times by cancelling the strike and returning to work in order to serve those with developmental disabilities in my riding?” stated   

Harris.