Strike Enters 10th Week as LLGAMH Union Proposes Mediation

Brockville – The strike by OPSEAU local 441 representing the staff at Leeds and Grenville Lanark District Health Unit Mental Health (LLGAMH) is entering its 10th week with no end in sight.

This past Sunday the union pitched the idea of utilizing a mediation/arbitration process to give the agency, the workers and the Lanark and Leeds Grenville community a clear pathway to resuming regular services.

The union has suggested the use of a nationally recognized mediator, one William Kaplan. Kaplan has been used in some of the most divisive labour disputes to bring about a resolution.

But on Monday, the agency advised the union that they had no interest to bringing an end to this labour dispute, according to the union.

“It feels like we are dealing with two different people. The public statements of looking forward to a collaborative resolution, do not match the “take it or leave” approach behind closed doors of Kim Gifford,” said Magean Plue LLGAMH Bargaining Team Chair.

The union is calling on the CEO to finally consider the needs of the most vulnerable people in our community. They say the local police force has reported record high mental health-based service calls.

As well, the union said that there is also a very visible increase of those suffering from addiction issues and homelessness around the Brockville area falling through the cracks, with the Brockville Hart Hub still not open.

Plue also stated, “It’s clear that it’s time to heal the “Hart”, utilize one of the most skilled mediators and bring back this most valued service.”