Local unions are rallying to support striking workers at the Canadian Hearing Society.
About 25 people stood in the rain to show their support for the members of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 2073, who have been without a contact for four years.
The union represents 227 employees in 24 offices across Ontario including the one on East St., who have been off the job since March 6.
The Sarnia & District Labour Council helped organize Monday's rally. Member at Large Steve Clendenning says there's strength in numbers.
"It's really important we look out for all workers in and around our community, so we wanted to come out and show them they are not alone," says Clendenning. "There's only two workers at the CHS workplace, so it's important the local unions and community shows up, because this really affects the def and hard of hearing in the community."
Locally unions rally to support the striking workers at the Canadian Hearing Society on East St. (Photo by Jake Jeffrey)
One of the two workers, Audiologist Lauren Steckle, says it's encouraging to see the additional support.
"Having the support from all the local unions over the last nine weeks has been tremendous, we really feel the support, and we feel encouraged to continue on with the strike and get a fair contract," she says.
She says they've also received support from their local clients.
"They have been very supportive of our strike and the position we're in, and we want to get back and help them as soon as possible," says Steckle. "We're hoping we can get back to the table so we can get a fair contract and get back to our clients."
Talks broke down between the union and the Canadian Hearing Society on April 1 and they haven't returned to the table since.
