The people who support some of the community's most vulnerable members, are now calling for their community's support. 

CUPE 1521 served their employer, Ottawa-Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OCAPDD), with notice to bargain in January 2026. We will finally hit the bargaining table in mid to late October 2026, however the employer has already started to limit what they are prepared to discuss. 

Facing housing instability, food insecurity, and daily stress about how to meet their family's financial needs our Members have had their compassion, skill, and professionalism used against them. Members have reported working alone in houses with up to 8 supported individuals, being forced on shifts stretching 24 hours or more, and being treated as dispensable. 

How can you support us? We are currently asking for community members to take two small actions:

1) Sign a post card demanding that the Ford government work with our employer and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) to provide funding for retroactive remedies for Bill 124

2) Join our mailing list to stay in touch with our Negotiations Committee as they begin the bargaining process