Karis Disability Service workers join the Union
On February 4 & 5, 2025, UFCW Local 175 welcomed more than 300 new members at 20 different locations of Karis Disability Services in the city of Ottawa.
March 7, 2025
Karis Disability Service workers join UFCW Locals 175 & 633
On February 4 & 5, 2025, UFCW Local 175 welcomed more than 300 new members at 20 different locations of Karis Disability Services in the city of Ottawa.
This caring group of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide support and services to adults who require assistance in their day-to-day lives.
Some of the concerns that led these workers to seek Union representation included:
- better wages and benefits,
- more fairness and less favouritism,
- improved working conditions,
- seniority and job security, and
- professional recognition.
“Our Union provides a collective voice, empowering workers to negotiate with their employers. We know these workers provide exceptional support for their community and they will achieve great things in bargaining to ensure they and their co-workers have all the resources and support they need to do this important work,” said President Tosato.
In June 2019, workers at Christian Horizons (now Karis Disability Services) in Toronto and surrounding areas joined Locals 175 & 633. Then, in 2020, another group of nearly 400 Karis Disability workers in Durham region voted Union Yes to join us, too. And in 2021, a group of 110 workers at Karis Disability in Sudbury also joined our Local Union.
“Those workers in the Toronto area truly lead the way to organizing and building a better life for themselves and every Karis worker who has joined our Union since,” said President Tosato. “Our Organizing team would like to thank the employees who assisted the campaign for their hard work and dedication. “
Congratulations and welcome to your Union.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW OUR UNION CAN HELP IMPROVE YOUR WORKING LIFE?
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Are you ready to find out more and want to talk to one of our Organizers? Send them an email at organizing@ufcw175.com or give them a call at 1-800-565-8329. All your conversations with our Organizers are confidential.
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