Record 11th Week of LLGAMH Strike

Brockville – The Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health (LLGAMH) strike has entered a record 11th week.

OPSEU 441 say that most services remain closed at LLGAMH, including Brock Cottage and Tenant House. Brock Cottage and Tennant House provide long-term abstinence based residential treatment for men and women, respectively. Specialized staff create and implement individualized care plans and counselling.

Last week the union provided a solution that would quickly bring back these services to the Lanark and Leeds Grenville community.

“Contrary to the statements by the CEO of LLGAMH, most services remain closed. Treatment homes like Brock Cottage and Tenant house have not housed any clients since the beginning of this strike. The drop-in center which provides important supports to some of our most vulnerable in our community continues to be closed,” said Magean Plue Bargaining team chair.

The union says these critical treatment homes focus on skills development and provide post discharge supports. These waitlists are open to individuals across Ontario, and the program has no costs associated to it.

Prior to the strike beginning, these homes had half year plus waitlists. Prior to the strike, staff were instructed not to discuss a potential labour disruption and many clients were left with hours to pack their belongings and no alternative care.

The union continues to call upon the agency to agree to a mediation-arbitration process facilitated by a private mediator.

“One of the challenges with the Ministry mandated mediation process is that it cannot force a result on the parties. Kim in curated public statements says she wants to negotiate, but behind closed doors continues to indicate that position is a public relations strategy, by refusing to entertain any discussions. We call upon the employer to recognize the clear impasse between the parties and bring in the expertise and finality that only a binding mediation-arbitration process can provide,” added Plue.

OPSEU Local 441 representing over 150 mental health professionals, joins over 4000 other workers on strike represented by OPSEU striking for fairness and better wages.

“As other agencies continue to show leadership in these provincial wide strikes by getting back to the table through private mediation and arbitration, we are hopeful that Kim will break the cycle of a history of failed leadership at LLGAMH,” said Alex Lane OPSEU Staff Representative.