Thousands of community and social workers across Ontario walked off the job on Monday, calling on the province to boost funding for their services.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which represents the workers, says "chronic underfunding" has forced them to work additional jobs to make ends meet while leaving vulnerable people struggling to access support.
The union says the workers hitting the picket lines today are joining those from several other organizations who went on strike over the weekend, as well as others who have been locked out.
In total, it says workers at nearly two dozen community organizations are now on strike or locked out.
This includes child and youth workers at Kinark Child and Family Services in Barrie. Dozens were gathered on the picket line on Bayview Drive on Tuesday.
"We work with children and youth who struggle with complex mental health. We work within the schools. We have a living treatment program, and we have an autism program," explained Sydne Thurlow-White, a child and youth worker at Kinark, and president of OPSEU local 355.
Workers with Community Living South Muskoka in Bracebridge are also on strike.
Aside from additional funding, the union says its demands include retroactive pay related to Bill 124, which capped public sector wage increases at one percent and was later ruled unconstitutional.
It says many public sector workers have received retroactive wage increases of 6.5 per cent or more since the law was repealed, but those in community and social services are "still waiting."
OPSEU president JP Hornick says the workers are taking a stand for their communities and everyone, including their employers, should support them.
The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 25, 2026.
with files from Barrie 360
