BARGAINING UPDATE

August 5, 2026

Dear Employees, Families and People Receiving Support:

Re:       Ongoing Strike and Commitment to Continue Negotiations

As we enter Week 11 of the strike, we wanted to connect directly with each of you to relay important, factual information as we understand there are conflicting messages being relayed.

First, we would like to provide clarification on some information. The Union requested our presence for a mass mediation, being coordinated by OPSEU in Toronto. A mass mediation means that other agencies and other Local unions attend. This was not an established process. In fact, in our sector, employers are required to negotiate individually with Local bargaining units. There is no platform to negotiate as a group, nor with the government directly, as our employees are not direct employees of the Government of Ontario. Therefore, the request for mass mediation falls outside of our bargaining process.  There was also no indication that the Ministry of Labour Dispute Resolution Services or our assigned conciliator would attend this proposed meeting. Therefore, we declined to participate and we were not the only agency who declined. To confirm, we are unaware of any other employer that did participate in this proposed mass mediation.

While we declined mass mediation, as did others, we have remained committed to return to the Local bargaining table. We have extended the offer to our Local Union to return to the Local bargaining table with our conciliator. We have not received a response indicating that the Local would like to continue these discussions. This offer remains open, should the Local Union wish to return to our bargaining table.

Community Living London also remains committed to raising awareness for the sector. We have been actively involved in advocacy campaigns for increased funding over the past several years. For example, the #5ToSurvive campaign which resulted in a 3% base funding increase, and the #WaitingToBelong campaign which resulted in an announcement of a 2% base funding increase.

Our goal was always to conclude a Collective Agreement that reflects our appreciation for our employees’ hard work and dedication, while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of the services relied upon by the people we support. The last offer, which was rejected by the bargaining team, included significant monetary items. Notably, the wage offer that was tabled on May 1, 2026, presents some of the highest wage increases ever offered by Community Living London.

We think it is important to highlight these for you:

·       Wage increases of 1.75% April 1, 2025; 2.25% April 1, 2026; 2.50% April 1, 2027 – this equates to 6.5% over 3 years.

·       Increase to vacation for full-time employees at 30 years of service.

We thought it was prudent that you hear this information directly from us. We are hopeful the above clarifies any confusion that may exist. As we have noted previously, we are happy to meet at the Local level.

Yours sincerely,

Michelle Palmer
Executive Director
Community Living London