Family members of individuals residing in a group home near Toronto express concern about the welfare of their loved ones due to insufficient information from the management regarding their care following a recent strike by support workers. The Central West Specialized Development Services (CWSDS), a residential community for adults with developmental disabilities, saw its support staff go on strike after the management requested a no-board report over 40 days ago.
Amid the strike, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 249, representing the workers, has been replaced by temporary agency staff to look after the residents. Rabia Khedr, whose brother Shah Khan is a resident at CWSDS, voices frustrations over the lack of clarity regarding the quality of care her brother will receive during the strike. Khedr feels excluded by the management and raises concerns about the sudden transfer of residents from various group homes to the main Oakville facility without family consent.
CWSDS CEO Patricia Kyle emphasizes that the safety and well-being of the residents remain the organization’s primary focus during the strike. The management asserts its commitment to ensuring proper care for individuals under their supervision amidst the ongoing labor dispute.