Workers at Community Living London were back on the picket line Thursday afternoon, calling for higher wages and increased provincial funding as clients and families began to feel the effects of the ongoing strike. “These guys at Community living are the real heroes,” said Chris Lauzon, a client at Community Living London. “They need it.” Employees at Community Living London said they are calling on the provincial government. “We don’t want to be striking,” said Sandy Garnham, an employee with Community Living London. “We are just looking to Ford’s government to pay the 6.5 [per cent] that was ordered by the court back to our sectors and to give a funding increase for our sector so that so many families can get off waiting lists and their families can get support.” The strike started two weeks ago. “Our members are strong,” said Lisa Fewster with OPSEU Local 166. “Our members are solid, and they’re not backing down and we’re not tired yet.” Since the start of the strike, the group homes and programs they support have been understaffed, something Lauzon has felt firsthand. “Right now, I’m working with Idlewyld Inn & Spa, and I’ve been there for 10 years,” said Lauzon. “The services that community living provides every three or four months comes in to see how things are going.” Lauzon has been receiving support from Community Living London since he was 17 years old. “Chris is really coming into his own, he’s really gotten involved with the special Olympics that has really boosted his confidence, just having a job feeling like he’s a part of the community,” said Garnham. “He’s got an amazing support team at his job.” For Lauzon, the impact of the strike extends beyond his own services. His 14-year-old daughter, who also receives support through Community Living London, has seen her routine disrupted. “It breaks her routine a little because she puts the dates on her phone when she’s going home to get away,” said Lauzon. “That just wrecked her routine now.” Lauzon said he hopes the union can get what they’re asking for sooner rather than later. “Get this over with,” said Lauzon. “Give these people what they deserve.”
