Ottawa Salvation Army workers vote in favour of strike [Video]

The union representing staff at the Salvation Army homeless shelter in Ottawa’s ByWard Market have voted in favour of a strike.

About 60 workers at the Booth Centre on George Street represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), voted “overwhelmingly” in favour of the job action, clearing the way for a possible strike if negotiations break down.

Members of PSAC Local 73100 provide maintenance, administration, food access and frontline support services for Ottawa’s homeless population at the centre.

“These workers play a vital role in addressing issues of homelessness and addiction in our community.” said Ruth Lau MacDonald, PSAC’s regional executive vice-president for the national capital region in a news release on Monday.

“They deserve a living wage that aligns with what others in the social services sector are making.”

The Booth Centre provides a variety of services for those experiencing homelessness, addictions or mental health issues, including …