respectourhomes

Kory Earles report from the rally on Saturday: Wow... What a Rally we held yesterday! Over 70 people came from across the province, not bad since it was only planned in 5 days! We sent a clear message to Opseu Union Workers local that we had enough, These are People’s Homes that you are Picketing!!! 3 Group Homes allowed us in to talk about the impact, Just to be clear that none of the Persons in the Homes want there homes Picketing, despite what the local union workers said,... they mentioned that the people support them... Thank you so much to all the public support, as we gained so much! I really want to thank People First of Northumberland for there leadership! I want to thank everyone that came, you have stood united and said we will fight this issue head on! A Huge thanks to all the People in the Homes for allowing us to stand up for you! Also for inviting us in!!!! This is a Journey that I am honored to be part of, We will ensure that there is Legislation brought forward!

Rally planned to end picketing of homes in Campbellford, Brighton Hoping to send a strong message that picketing people’s homes is not okay, People First is planning to host a rally on Saturday, April 8th in Campbellford. Direct support professionals have been out on strike since Wednesday, March 22nd, picketing the office of Community Living Campbellford/Brighton, as well as four homes belonging to people supported by the organization.... Last week, People First of Northumberland, People First of Ontario and People First of Canada issued a joint news release to denounce the picketing of homes by the union’s striking employees. Just because a person has a disability does not mean they should be treated differently than anyone else in the community. I get that there may be issues between staff and management, but it’s completely unfair that people receiving supports are in the middle of this. Please show respect for the people you work for and take your disagreement away from their homes, stated Kory Earle, President of People First of Canada. People First of Northumberland will be taking the lead on the planned rally. Organizers are asking attendees to gather at Old Mill Park (51 Grand Road) at 11 a.m. and to bring signs showing their support for people that have been impacted by the strike. Speeches are scheduled to take place at noon. People First representatives have reached out to OPSEU Local 316 and the union has refused their request to stop strike action in front of people’s homes. In the meantime, People First has asked that supporters email OPSEU and has provided the following emails: [email protected] and [email protected]. People that are interested in knowing more about the rally should contact Earle at 613 451-0051 or by email at [email protected].

http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com//community-living-c

http://www.owensoundsuntimes.com//accusations-fly-in-parti

We are sorry to hear about the passing of Rose Bennet( Barko) who was a passionate defender of social justice, especially for those whose homes had been picketed.