Letter: Dismay over lack of action on L&A Interval House strike

The following is a submitted letter to the Editor. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Kingstonist.

Dear Editor,

I was dismayed to discover that the workers at L&A Interval House on Centre Street are on strike. These workers provide needed services to enhance and promote the safety of women in our community, and provide safe refuge for them when required.

In speaking with these workers, all women, I discovered that they have been in negotiations for over a year, seeking the same rights and benefits as their sister agencies in neighbouring communities. Issues like posting and filling vacant jobs, union representation at meetings with the employer, and misuse of casual staff have been outstanding for many years, with no resolution in sight.

L&A Interval House has stated its aims on its web site. Their first aim is:

“Empower women to recognize when they are not being treated fairly and to find solutions that work in their lives.”

Yet, when their own women employees do exactly that, Interval House drags out negotiations for over a year, fails to negotiate in good faith, and undermines the very services they committed to provide.

I hope Interval House comes to its senses and seriously considers the solutions being proposed by these women through their union.

Sincerely

Eric DePoe
Napanee, Ont.

Letters to the Editor and Op/Ed pieces can be submitted to Kingston via email at [email protected].