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OPSEU, CLASS reach agreement for employees to return to work

Two groups say they will work together to provide safe, healthy workplace and 'harmonious labour relations'
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In this file photo, more than 100 OPSEU members from across the province gather outside of Community Living Association of South Simcoe’s (CLASS) Alliston head office on March 7.

The Community Living Association of South Simcoe (CLASS) and a group of terminated workers represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) have reached an agreement that will see the three employees have their jobs reinstated. 

In a joint statement released Wednesday evening, CLASS and OPSEU say they have "resolved the issues" concerning the workers' termination. 

"CLASS and OPSEU acknowledge the importance of protecting the safety of all CLASS employees while protecting and safeguarding the interests and
privacy of the people that CLASS serves," said the statement. 

The agreement comes on the heels of a rally held outside CLASS's offices in Alliston on March 7, which was attended by more than 100 OPSEU members from across Ontario.

At that time, the employees said they were speaking up to improve health and safety for fellow developmental services workers.

In Wednesday's joint statement, CLASS reiterated it "respects and acknowledges" OPSEU’s right to advocate for its members’ rights, and for "employees to participate in the lawful activities of their union, including the right to lawfully gather. Appropriate measures have been put in place to deal with the concerns that led to the dismissal of the employees."

CLASS and OPSEU say they have "committed to a process" to support the health and safety of CLASS staff.

The two groups say they will work together to provide a safe, healthy workplace and "harmonious labour relations."

"Out of respect for those involved, there will be no further comment about the circumstances giving rise to the terminations or the resolutions of those matters," said the statement.