Employees at Vista Park Lodge earn significantly less than other employees working in private and public personal care homes. Now their employer (Extendicare) wants the ability to contract out work without assurances to current staff. The crowd included about thirty MGEU members and many other supporters from health care unions who walked the picket line in support.
“I see what’s happening to these workers and my heart really goes out to them. I’ve worked in a care home; I know what it’s like. And our union represents more than 3,000 members in personal care homes, they know what it’s like too. You feel a duty to those you’re caring for every day but at the same time the way some workers are treated by some employers, it’s tough for people to continue in those jobs and it’s tough to attract new workers,” said MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky.
Under the Essential Services Act, members are still working in the care home, while picketing before and after their shifts. The picket line will be operating 11am – 7pm weekdays and 10am – 6pm on weekends. Any support for picketers is appreciated.