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Health care workers, members of Unifor Local 598 and community supporters rallied outside Jarlette Health Services in Midland, Ontario demanding fair wages and for the employer to come back to the bargaining table and negotiate a collective agreement.
"These workers have been without a collective agreement for over a year and it's time for a change," said Samia Hashi, Unifor Ontario Regional Director. "To maintain continuity of care, the facility has been relying on a contract agency to outsource Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), which compromises the quality of care and destabilizes the workforce. Our members deserve better."
The rally had participants from as far north as Sudbury showing their solidarity and frustration over the employer’s failure to negotiate a collective agreement since December 2022 and the absence of wage increases since January 2022.
"The employers’ reliance on agency RPNs has caused concerns among families in the community, who worry about the impact on the quality of care their loved ones receive," said Local 598 President, Eric Boulay. "We're here today to stand up for our long-term care workers who deserve fair wages and respect. Their hard work and dedication should be recognized and rewarded."
The union will continue to apply pressure on Jarlette Health Services to negotiate a fair deal for the employees at the Elizabeth Centre.
