Despite the lifting of the lockout by the Children’s Aid Society of Nipissing and Parry Sound, the labour dispute is not over.

The lockout has become a strike.

The workers, who are represented by CUPE, say after getting together on Thursday the dispute will continue despite an offer from the CAS for the employees to return to work on Monday.

President of CUPE local 2049 Debbie Hill says they were working towards an arbitrated settlement, but on Wednesday the CAS issued a lose-lose ultimatum return to work with no agreement.

“Now, after a four-month lockout, CAS directors are telling us, come back to work, but we’ll still foist on you everything that caused the dispute in the first place – oh, and we’ll also get rid of your union at the same time. What can you say when you’re faced with that sort of arrogance, that sort of deception? You have to say, ‘No.’ ” She says.

The CAS says the lifting of the lockout is not contingent on conditions.

Board Chair John Stopper says, “there is no consent necessary on the part of staff or the union. I know many of these people; we value their service and hope that they will return to the invaluable work of the Society come Monday.”

The main issue concerns sick leave.

The labour dispute has been ongoing since December 23rd.

Filed under: cas-cupe-lockout