February 7, 2024

 

In a powerful act of solidarity, Unifor, CUPE, and SEIU healthcare workers rallied at the Toronto Sheraton Centre, demanding the Ontario Hospital Association invest more in hospital staffing and fair wages to improve patient care and worker support.

“Today’s rally goes beyond a call to action it’s a stark reminder of the critical crossroads facing our health care system,” said Samia Hashi, Unifor Ontario Regional Director, at the February 6 rally. “We stand here united, to amplify the urgent need for the Ford government to acknowledge the vital contributions of our health care workers by providing them with the necessary resources and support to provide the care that Ontarians rightfully deserve.”

The three unions are advocating for wage increases that exceed inflation, equitable benefits, and enhanced premiums for challenging shifts. However, the negotiations have reached an impasse as the Ontario Hospital Association insists on concessions that would undermine job security and reduce patient care. Despite direct negotiations extending over weeks, economic proposals from CUPE and SEIU have been met with a disconcerting silence. The refusal to negotiate a fair wage increase in line with the cost of living, or to address workloads, highlights the growing concern within the sector.

“Our fight for better staffing and patient care today is a fight for the future of health care in Ontario,” said Kelly-Anne Orr, Assistant to the National Officers, as she spoke at the rally. “Ontarians envision a system where quality care is the standard, not the exception, driven by fair compensation and respect for those on the frontlines.”

Unifor is diligently negotiating both local issues at participating hospitals and preparing for central negotiations slated for February 13th. The union will also support CUPE during the pivotal mediation days on February 6 and 7, and SEIU’s subsequent sessions on February 10 and 11.

The rally was a collective show of force, featuring a diverse lineup of speakers from all opposition parties, various labor unions, and representatives from the Ontario Health Coalition. The February 6 rally marks the beginning of a series of actions as the union continues to strive for a settlement that honours and respects our members.

 

Source: Unifor National

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Letter to Bell Canada – Mental Health 24Jan2024

January 25, 2024

 

It has been seven years since the tragic events of January 29, 2017, when an Islamophobic and racist act of violence took the lives of six worshippers at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec.

The six individuals were Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzedine Soufiane, and Aboubaker Thabti.

On this solemn day of remembrance, Unifor stands in solidarity with Muslim communities, including the survivors of this attack, to honor the lives lost to this horrifying violence. This day is especially important as we continue to witness an alarming rise of Islamophobia, anti-Muslim violence, and antisemitism here in Canada and across the globe during a time of increased conflict.

Canada’s Senate Committee on Human Rights reports that rampant Islamophobia in Canada is costing Canadian Muslims their wellbeing and even their lives—and these issues have a dire impact on our communities, workplaces, and our society.

On many fronts, labour unions have an important role in building a stronger sense of safety and belonging for Muslim workers. We do so through collective bargaining, demanding that employers collaborate with us to foster more safe and equitable workplaces, and by enforcing better policies to protect all people, regardless of their religion.
Unifor members endorsed Action Plan 2022-2025 that includes our commitment to combat Islamophobia.

As workers committed to social justice, equality, and the fundamental rights of all individuals, we strongly denounce Islamophobia in all its forms.

Education is our most powerful tool in the fight against hate. Unifor calls for the inclusion of anti-Islamophobia education in school curricula, workplaces, and community programs. By working together to instil understanding and tolerance, we can create a society where acts of violence cease to exist.

As we reflect on the devastating brutality of that day, we must too reflect on ways we can each take concrete action against Islamophobia.

Let us stand united against all forms of hatred. —

Green Square Campaign

You can show your support by wearing a green square on your jacket or clothing from January 25-29. You can buy a piece of green fabric or felt at your local discount or craft store and attach it to your garment with a small safety pin.

Take pictures wearing your green square or with this sign of support and email them to communications@unifor.org or post on social media using the #Unifor hashtag. Pictures should reflect the solemnity of the day of remembrance.

Learn more about the campaign and seven other ways you can stand against Islamaphobia at the National Council of Canadian Muslim’s website.