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O d lU lU d jr , I ^ C C I I I U C I Z .J yyy i n c wnrs. v il l c deav civ CLO management says final offer is final offer By Howard Mozel OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Unless unionized workers at Community Living Oakville return to the bargaining table with a position worth looking at, says CLO executive director Andy Rotsma, management's final offer stands. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) issued a statement Wednesday accusing CLO of rejecting a provincial mediator's invitation to renew contract talks that would lead to an end to Local 249's six-week old strike. Rotsma made it clear that management will not return to bargaining with any counter-offer since their final offer - 2% over two years - is just that, final. "If they're expecting us to come back to the table with a different offer, we're not," said Rotsma. OPSEU Local 249, which represents about 125 workers who care for those with developmental disabilities, have been in dispute over wages, job security, contract ing out and what they see as an attempted erosion of their sick leave plan. Staff are seeking 3% over two years. "Management's refusal to re-start the talks is an indication of the attitude of Community Living Oakville towards its clients and staff," said OPSEU president Leah Casselman. "The executive director is willing to allow clients to continue to suffer over the Christmas season. He is all too willing to be cast in the role of Grinch." Rotsma says he has received "nothing but positive comments" from the family members of its 400-plus clients - despite CLO's temporary closing of three of its group homes. Rotsma said he is aware of no health and safety concerns. Although workers have not received a negotiated increase in eight years, Rotsma says they have seen their pay increase thanks mainly to pay equity funding. One major stumbling block to the whole arrangement, however, has been the continued reduction of provincial funding to agencies such as CLO, which receives approximately 80% of its money from the Ministry of Community and Social Services. According to Casselman assistant Paul Bilodeau, the very core of negotiations is to have both sides speaking to one another. CLO's refusal to take the mediator up on her offer simply closes the door to any progress. Photo by Peter C. McCusker Oakville firefighter John Boocock displays his melted face guard and dam aged helmet from the fire at the Matwey home. School firesafety lessons paid off (Continued from page A1) lodgings where they played Santa to the couple's three grandchildren and supplied their grandparents with a decorated Christmas tree. They even lifted Tim in their arms to crown it with an angel. "He's basically a little hero," said fire fighter Doug Lawson. "He sounded the alarm for everyone in the basement to warn them and allow them to get out of the house in time." Maijorie and Bruce Hazelton were enjoying an early family Christmas in the lower level of their Montclair townhouse when Tim went upstairs to use the bath room. It was then he spotted a fire smol dering behind a couch and alerted his loved ones. With only one way out of the basement, Tim's warning may have meant the difference between life and death. The family fled the house safely and dialed 911 from a neighbours place. Unfortunately the Hazeltons' pet cat Tiptoe died in the fire. It could have been worse: according to Captain John Boocock, the main floor "flashed over" moments after firefighters arrived and the heat was so intense it melted Boocock's face shield. In light of Tim's actions - and cog nizant of the recent tragic fire deaths in Ontario - the firefighters showed their appreciation by giving Tun a ball cap and a toy fire truck. Then it was outside for a chance to sit in a real emergency vehicle lights flashing and sirens wailing of course. Tim's five year old sister Amber received a toy horse while one year old Shea-Lynne got a Talking Elmo. "Santa can take all his stuff back," laughed Sandra Matwey, the children's mother, who explained that the firefight ers turned the event into a party, complete with chicken wings. "The kids were all thrilled and it was really nice. The fire fighters were great." Maijorie Hazelton said she was a little embarrassed by all the attention, but added that if the firefighters' generosity helps publicize fire safety, then she's all for it. "I couldn't believe it," she said. "The firefighters are wonderful." Sandra admitted that Tim was a bit overwhelmed at first then took the whole affair in stride. Several days after the fire he took the newspaper clippings about the blaze he's collecting to school. "Oakville's been really good," said Sandra. Lawson - who said firefighters also gave the Hazeltons a smoke detector explained how the near tragedy highlights the need for fire safety and constant vigi lance. "It seems the kids are more aware than their parents," he said. "They leam it in school and they bring home the right information. Tim is a hero." For the lastest conditions call: ( 9 0 5 ) 8 7 8 -8 4 5 5 __ w OR check out: (J frfa c w w w .gleneden.on.ca M o n d a y- S a ta rd a y 83 1a m-10pm /S u n d a ys 83 1an-43*p m DIRECTIONS ID WINTER S HOTTEST PUCE: from Hwy.401, take exit 320 (Hwy.25) north to Campbellville Rd. west to Tremaine Rd. soatb to Kelso Rd. A N N E E L L E V L E I N R A C Y I f IE E N F ^ ) b CORRECTION NOTICE Due to circumstances beyond our control, the YEAR 2000 TICKLE & WIGGLE HAPPY FACE advertised on page 5 of the flyer in effect from Sunday, December 19, 1999 to Saturday, December 25, 1999 is not available. There will be no substitutions or rain checks. We apologize fo r this inconvenience. X O N Y E A N R O T T O E R N l U R E L Oa k v il l e B e a v e r extends congratulations to Debbie Putman the uuinner of a gift certificate in our 12 days draw. Thanhs to all who entered. M A R C c 3 1 5 c la k e s h o re rd . e. d o w n to w n o a k v ille 3 3 8 -5 5 0 0