to support and empower individuals to become valued members of their community

to support and empower individuals to become valued members of their community

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Update on Mediation  |  August 19, 2026

I wanted to provide an update regarding today's mediation between ISSI and OPSEU/SEFPO Local 172. Unfortunately, the parties were not able to reach a deal. I also want to share an important and concerning update about the picketing of the homes of people we support.

How Did We Get Here

While the Union has called this an employer lockout, the reality is that the Union started the countdown towards a legal strike or lockout, and told the Employer they would begin striking on May 25. The Employer began the labour disruption two days before that (on May 23), because the Union legally could have commenced their strike from that point in time without notice – which could have jeopardized the people we support.

ISSI made every reasonable effort to avoid a strike. We made a strong wage offer to staff before the disruption happened. This offer was as good or better than many comparable offers at DS agencies. However, the Union bargaining committee rejected that offer.

After that, we felt it was important that staff themselves see the offer before going on strike. Strikes are expensive, and can impact the money ultimately available for a deal. That’s why we asked for a supervised vote. However, the vote was not successful, and the labour disruption started shortly afterwards.

The labour disruption has now gone on for 13 weeks. During that time, ISSI made repeated requests for the Union to return to the local bargaining table. The Union initially refused to do so, insisting that they would only meet in mass mediation with other employers, or through interest arbitration. We could not responsibly do that. During the time the Union refused to meet, the costs of the strike continued to increase.

No Agreement at Mediation

After 12 weeks, the Union agreed to meet with a private mediator, Gerry Lee. The parties met today with Mr. Lee to try to reach a negotiated resolution.

Sadly, while progress was made on non-monetary terms, we were not able to reach a new agreement.

The primary divide between the parties remains compensation. The Employer tabled a new offer that would have provided $2.29 over four years (an average increase of 1%, 2%, 3%, 3% per year across classes). Our offer also included a transition to the CAAT pension plan in year 3. This offer reflected the realities and costs of the last 13 weeks, while also providing meaningful increases over the life of the agreement.

The Union’s wage ask continues to be 3% per year over three years, while also seeking the CAAT pension plan and other monetary proposals. Our understanding is that the 3% a year wage demand is being advanced by OPSEU across the sector as part of the ongoing Worth Fighting For campaign. ISSI could not accept this offer in light of our own circumstances and operational needs after 13 weeks of labour disruption. We continue to believe that any agreement should reflect our local realities.

Ultimately, the parties could not close the gap between their proposals by the end of the day.

As ISSI and the Union did not reach a new deal, the labour disruption will continue. ISSI remains committed to continuing negotiations in good faith to try to resolve this dispute.

ISSI Calls for Stop to Picketing of Homes

I also want to address a separate issue that occurred today which has been deeply concerning.

I am disappointed to report that, for the first time, supporters of the Union picketed outside of homes of the people we support.

The people we support deserve dignity, safety, and privacy in their own homes. We have been clear since the beginning of the labour disruption that we believe any picketing in front of the homes of those we support is inappropriate.

Our understanding is that the Union committed to its members at the start of the strike that there would be no picketing in front of people’s homes. We call on the Union to renew that commitment.

Final Thoughts

Our focus remains on the people we support. I would like to thank families, employees, relief staff, community partners, and management team members for their continued patience and support throughout this difficult period.

We will continue to provide updates when there are significant developments.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me or a member of our management team.

Sincerely,

Jayden Nancekivell
Executive Director

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