London, Ontario – A potential strike at Vanier Children’s Mental Wellness, a facility providing critical mental health assessment and treatment services for infants, children, and youth, has been averted after successful negotiations between the institution and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). The agreement for a new collective deal was swiftly reached, ensuring the continuation of vital mental health programs and services for children and families in the region.
The preparations for a strike, which had prompted the facility to begin sending some children home as a precautionary measure, have now been set aside. Kelly Simpson, the executive director of Vanier, expressed her satisfaction with the positive outcome, stating, “Negotiations were successful today, and a new collective agreement is in place effective immediately.”
The facility, located on Trafalgar Street in London, is a lifeline for roughly 3,000 patients annually. While it typically has no more than ten patients on-site at any given time, this comprises children aged six to 13 who require specialized care and support.
This resolution comes in the wake of an overwhelming vote by OPSEU members, with 93 percent in favor of strike action on October 20. With the strike threat eliminated, Vanier Children’s Mental Wellness can now focus on its crucial mission of providing essential mental health services to the community, ensuring the well-being of the children it serves.
