Dear Brothers & Sisters,
It has now been two months since the workers at the Salvation Army's Booth Centre shelter in Ottawa walked off the job to protest poverty wages.
Despite saying that it aims to fight poverty, the Salvation Army in Canada pays many of its workers less than the living wage. In the case of Ottawa, the living wage has been set by ACORN Canada at $13.50 per hour.
Unfortunately, the Salvation Army has made no progress in the bargaining of a fair and equitable collective agreement, and seems unconcerned about getting these workers back on the job.
This dispute has gone too far already. It is time for us, Brothers and Sisters, to step up and to encourage the Salvation Army to return to the bargaining table.
Many of our members are donors or volunteers for the Salvation Army. While we want to ensure that clients still receive the services they rely on, we can pressure management by asking that they request a resolution to the strike before we volunteer or make a financial donation.
We will continue to raise awareness of the dispute throughout the PSAC Prairie Region, and across the country, to build support for the striking workers. Visit www.salvationarmydispute.ca for more information and to follow their blog. Your local can also support by sending donations to:
Hardship Fund Local 73100
PSAC Ottawa Regional Office
15 Holland Avenue, Main Floor
Ottawa ON K1Y 4T2
In Solidarity,
Robyn Benson
Regional Executive Vice-President
Public Service Alliance of Canada, Prairies