OPSEU/SEFPO Local 332 retirement home workers held a spirited rally for a living wage today outside Kingsmere Retirement Living in Alliston, Ontario, as their union representatives met with the Employer at the Labour Board in Toronto.
Kingsmere is owned by for-profit giant Sienna Senior Living, which charges residents thousands per month while most Kingsmere staff earn less than a living wage for Simcoe County. One of those residents waved a flag from his balcony and called out his support of the workers rallying outside.
Earlier this year, the retirement home increased the wages of one staff person by $3 per hour, without consulting the union, and refused to do the same for the rest of the staff. The union filed a complaint with the Labour Board, demanding that all Kingsmere staff receive the same raise immediately. At today’s Labour Board mediation, despite the dire staffing shortage and support from Kingsmere residents and staff, the employer refused to address the wage issue, and no agreement was reached. OPSEU/SEFPO has asked for a hearing as soon as possible to resolve the complaint.
A petition signed by every Local 332 worker was delivered to Sienna Senior Living by Local 332 Unit Steward Kirstie Byrne and OPSEU/SEFPO Regional Vice President Sara Labelle earlier this month. At Kingsmere, dietary aides earn minimum wage, PSWs earn $19, and nurses earn $24 (which is $15 less than nurses who do the same work at the nearest hospital). The living wage for Simcoe County is $20.70 per hour.
Local 332 members were joined today by Labelle, Region 3 Executive Board Member Joel Usher, and members from neighbouring OPSEU/SEFPO locals. The picketers marched in front of Kingsmere Retirement Living as well as a nearby intersection, where many vehicles honked in support. Kingsmere workers and their community sent a message today to Sienna Senior Living: Retirement home workers deserve a living wage!
