Thousands of OPSEU/SEFPO members showed their power on picket lines across Ontario this week, sending a clear message to the Ford government for its disgraceful neglect of vital public services.
Nearly four thousand OPSEU/SEFPO members, in 23 bargaining units in community and social services, are on strike or locked out. These workers are taking a brave and historic stand – for each other, for the people they support, and the future of the services and care they provide.
These workers show up every day to care for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, whether they support adults with disabilities, women experiencing homelessness, or children in crisis. Now, they need us to show up for them.
They are fighting for funding for services and for wages stolen under Doug Ford’s unconstitutional Bill 124. Other OPSEU/SEFPO members have already received retroactive Bill 124 pay, including members in hospitals, colleges and the Ontario Public Service. But these workers have been left behind – all while holding up a system in crisis.
This is fundamentally a fight for the future of services that we all rely on. When the government stole from these workers, they were also cheating the communities that depend on the care they provide. These services need skilled, dedicated workers to ensure continuity of care and support when people need it most , as well as consistent funding to meet the needs of the community. By standing together in solidarity, we can win!
Find a picket line near you
All OPSEU/SEFPO members – and allies – are urged to join workers on the picket line!
Visit the picket finder at worthfightingfor.ca to find your closest picket line.
As picket line locations may change, please check the picket finder for daily updates!
Sign the pledge and join actions across the province
Pledge your support and join upcoming actions across the province as we escalate action to win the funding we need! Sign the pledge.
Donate to striking locals
Donate to support striking locals! Find ways to donate here.
Join the next family and community townhall
Striking workers invite the people they support, their loved ones, and concerned community members to join a second online townhall on Sunday, May 31 at 7:00 pm. Register now.
In the news
Members of the Worth Fighting For campaign, and the people they support, are making waves in the media this week. These stories highlight the heart of what this fight is about and the people behind it.
Watch a clip from CBC news below.