Striking CUPE Local 2073 workers got a boost on the picket line yesterday, as Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas joined them. Gelinas says anybody who has to walk a picket line when it’s minus 30 out needs a little bit of a moral support. Sixteen unionized CHS employees, including deaf support workers, mental health counsellors and administrative staff are on day eight of their strike. That’s on top of other workers on strike across the province, including four workers in nearby North Bay.
A pyschotherapist and mental health counsellor for CHS, Cindy Collins spoke for the striking workers. She says they are trying to get a contract that’s fair and equitable but unfortunately, their employer just seems to want to take things away from them. Both Collins and Gélinas are encouraged by the support the workers are receiving from their clients, including individuals of all ages who are deaf or hard of hearing.