Shelter workers at the Good Shepherd could go on strike and walk off the job next month, if the organization and the union aren’t able to reach a deal.
Workers voted 99 per cent in favour of giving the union a strike mandate.
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That doesn’t mean they will go on strike, as the union is looking ahead to more negotiations led by a mediator at the end of the month.
CUPE, the union that represents more than 150 staff members across the Good Shepherd’s family centre, women’s services and “Reaching Home” program, says wages are the major sticking point.
The union says many employees earn below what is considered a living wage in Hamilton, at $20.80 an hour.
In a statement to CHCH News, the Good Shepherd says it’s committed to achieving a mutually beneficial agreement, but would not answer any of our questions on Thursday.
The union says it won’t take the next steps towards a strike until after a planned negotiation session on Aug. 20, but should workers be forced to walk off the job, it would bring a vital city service to a standstill.
Dave Butler, a communications manager for Good Shepherd, confirmed that talks are ongoing with the union.
“While we cannot share specific details due to the confidential nature of these
negotiations, our primary goal is to reach a solution that supports the interests of all parties involved.”
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This comes as the City of Hamilton continues to struggle with affordable housing and support its homeless population. An estimated 1,500 people are considered homeless in Hamilton.
The city provides 345 permanent and 20 temporary shelter beds, as well as 52 hotel rooms for overflow. Mayor Andrea Horwath has also asked city staff to look into sanctioning outdoor encampment sites.