Months-long strike ends for Leeds and Grenville mental health and development workers

A summer-long strike involving Leeds and Grenville-area mental health and developmental workers is officially coming to an end after OPSEU Local 441 struck a deal with Lanark Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health (LLGAMH) staff to end their strike and return to work, according to CEO Kim Gifford in a release.

Staff will return to work on Aug. 24, with the first week focused on “reconnecting as a team,” as full services are phased back into operation starting Aug. 31.

“The last several months have been incredibly difficult for our organization, clients and the broader community,” said Gifford.

“We are grateful for the patience and understanding of our clients, partners and community throughout this period, and we are focused on supporting a thoughtful restart to our full complement of services.”

LLGAMH was the final agency to strike a deal with OPSEU Local 441 to get staff back to work. Brockville Area Community Living and Children’s Mental Health of Leeds and Grenville entered mediation this month, resulting in CMHLG staff returning to work last week.

The months-long strike was largely driven by underfunding from the province and insufficient wages for staff.

According to the release, resources will be in place during the transition to support clients in group homes and treatment homes, including the Hart Hub. Housing support for vulnerable clients will also be available, along with certain psychiatry and psychotherapy supports.