Villa Colombo Hires Replacement Agency Workers during CUPE 5525 Strike, Puts Residents and Public at Risk
TORONTO — Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. has hired replacement agency workers in response to the ongoing CUPE 5525 strike.
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Personal Care Workers at Villa Colombo's Supportive Housing Unit began their strike action on Wednesday, May 28; instead of moving towards a resolution of outstanding issues, the employer has decided to disrespect workers and residents alike by replacing CUPE 5525 members at the home.
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The absence of a provincial anti-scab law in Ontario is needlessly prolonging strikes, as employers' use of job-stealing replacement workers puts both the public and workers at risk.
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Agency workers are not trained or certified to the standards of Personal Care Workers with CUPE 5525. Some residents have already mentioned that they are unhappy with the sudden replacement. Villa Colombo workers are trained to a high standard of care and have longstanding relationships with residents in the supportive housing unit.
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In addition to their lack of experience and training, replacement workers are more expensive overall than CUPE 5525 Personal Care Workers. Not only does this decision by Villa Colombo management hurt the residents and staff, but it also hurts their own bottom line when they hire these outside agency workers to replace CUPE 5525 members.
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Outstanding issues in the strike include paid sick days and health benefits for part-time workers, no reductions in paid sick days for full-time workers, and no changes to the existing scheduling system. The employer has refused to agree with the union on these items. Workers are conducting this strike to defend the health and safety of both themselves and the residents alike.
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A picket line is being held weekdays from 8:00am – 4:00pm at 3010 and 3050 Dufferin Street in Toronto, just outside Villa Colombo.
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