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CarePartner nurses and administrative staff are fighting for a first collective agreement that meets industry standards.
Toronto (29 July 2015) — Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) who are employed by CarePartners have been on strike since April 10. The agency holds one of 1,400 lucrative service contracts to provide clinical and home care services to patients in the Niagara and Norfolk County area.
CarePartner workers are paid a flat rate for visits, have no sick days and are not paid for overtime
For almost four months, these workers have stood up against the private owner of CarePartners. They are defending the dignity of patients and their medical treatment by demanding respect and a fair and just contract in an attempt to make patient care the priority, and not profits to a private owner.
For every home visit and/or clinical visit, the private owner of CarePartners profits at the expense of the workers who are not fully paid for the time they spend at each home visit. But, in addition, the private owner refuses to provide workers with things most employers consider "an industry standard" — sick days and compensation for overtime.
The union has created a video to highlight their story and their fight.
How you can help?
OPSEU/NUPGE is encouraging people to call the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Dr. Eric Hoskins, MPP at 416-656-0943 or email ehoskins.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org and request that their tax dollars be spent on health care, not profits.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE