“Our heroes in health care are burnt out and struggling to keep up in long-term care homes,” said Katha Fortier, Assistant to Unifor’s National President. “PSWs and other workers who have worked through what can only be described as a humanitarian crisis are leaving the industry in droves. Fortier continues” Poor compensation, lack of full time work and COVID-19 have just made a bad situation worse.”

Over 20 long-term care rallies are set to make some noise on May 13 across Ontario, sending the message loud and clear to the provincial government to respect our health care members, repeal Bill124 stop putting profit over people and follow the advice of their own long term care commission by immediately implementing a measureable and enforceable 4 hour minimum care standard per resident per day.

“Long term care workers across Ontario are fed up with politicians saying the right things, but not acting on them,” said Unifor Local 229 President Kari Jefford. “Ontario has had a broken long-term care system way before the pandemic. Workers in long-term care need politicians to put their money and actions where their mouths are and respect, protect and pay us.”

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.