Community healthcare workers at Anishnawbe Health Toronto (AHT) were joined by elders and members of the Indigenous community today for an information picket to raise awareness about their need for a fair first contract.
AHT workers – members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 5115 — have come together to call for contract improvements that honour their work, including fair pay, a pension to retire with dignity, and improved worker wellbeing. They have been seeking their first contract for more than a year, without any movement on their core issues.
Amidst a provincial landscape where medical infrastructure is overwhelmed – particularly in Toronto – AHT provides vital culturally-affirming primary and mental health care to Indigenous communities in the GTA. Colonization and and systemic discrimination within mainstream healthcare settings have led to poorer health outcomes and premature death for Indigenous peoples. The workers at Anishnawbe Health Toronto are committed to supporting the health, wellbeing and reclamation of the communities they serve.
“Anishnawbe Health Toronto is often praised for its one-of-a-kind services supporting the under-served Indigenous community in Toronto – but this exceptional care comes from the dedicated workers who provide it,” said OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick. “It’s time for the executive leadership to show these workers the respect they deserve and come to the table to bargain a fair first deal immediately.”
At Wednesday’s rally, frontline AHT workers invited community members to participate in their online action by emailing AHT’s Board President Marian Jacko and executive board members. AHT workers care deeply about this community-based work and have made it clear that a timely agreement is a top priority to tackle ongoing recruitment and retention issues and reduce ongoing gaps in service – a cost born on the backs of the communities served.
Workers are warning that if a fair deal cannot be reached, AHT’s Board risks jeopardizing patient care.
“Investing in exceptional care means investing in the workers who deliver it,” added Hornick. “By improving working conditions, the executive leadership can protect the high-quality of care and support that AHT provides, and for many years to come.”
AHT workers will continue to raise their voices and concerns until a far deal is reached.