Workers at the Waterford Retirement Residence voted this week in favour of joining the Ontario Public Service Employees Union.
Despite a spirited campaign by management to have employees vote against the unionization drive, OPSEU won the day with its pledge to work at improving wages and benefits, and to strengthen job security. The group of 83 employees, which includes personal support workers, registered practical nurses, dieticians, kitchen staff and residential attendants, voted in favour of joining OPSEU by a margin of more than 75 per cent.
“At the end of the day, the workers were looking to gain a voice in the workplace. Work in long-term care facilities and retirement homes is tough work and it’s getting tougher as more and more places are privatized. These workers richly deserve all the support we can provide on their behalf, said Joan Corradetti, Chair of OPSEU’s long-term care division. “On behalf of OPSEU’s 3,500 members who work in long-term care I warmly welcome our newest members at Waterford.”
OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas said the long-term care workers at Waterford have found themselves a home in the union where patients, clients and community care have always been a priority.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that long-term care facilities and retirement homes are best served when workers are unionized,” he said. “For years, OPSEU has campaigned tirelessly to improve conditions inside care facilities for the benefit of patients, their families and workers alike. We look forward to carrying forward that tradition at Waterford.”
For more information: Joan Corradetti 647-539-5939