“From the ‘Freedom convoy’ to Bill 21, we must end Islamophobia and hate”: CUPE Ontario Statement on National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia

Five years ago today, on January 29th, 2017, a gunman entered a mosque in Quebec City and opened fire on dozens of Muslims during a prayer service. The shooter, fueled by white supremacist, Islamophobic rhetoric killed six worshippers and injured 19 others. Today, on National Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia, we remember Mamadou…

“Solidarity means collective responsibility for public health”: CUPE Ontario responds to concerning tweets

Yesterday, a CUPE paramedic local in Windsor-Essex published a concerning twitter thread that does not reflect the beliefs and values of our union, including those of the vast majority of first responders who are vaccinated. CUPE has always encouraged members to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their family, and their community. But the work is…

Bringing hospital, long-term care staff sick with COVID-19 back to work early, dangerous way to deal with staffing crisis say CUPE and SEIU

Two of Ontario’s largest health care unions are asking the provincial government to rescind a new pandemic guidance order they believe creates an unacceptable level of risk for hospital patients, long-term care residents and health care staff by enabling hospitals and long-term care employers to order potentially sick or still infectious health care workers with…

Paramedics call on Niagara EMS service to address staffing crisis as Code Zeroes increase during Omicron wave

TORONTO, ON – The staffing crisis in Niagara’s Emergency Medical Services has worsened during the ongoing Omicron wave and requires immediate attention as critical ambulance shortages grow, says the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 911. Niagara EMS service is witnessing frequent Code Zeros, occasions when there are no ambulances available to respond to 911…

“It’s long past time for historic investments”: CUPE Ontario calls for an unprecedented budget

TORONTO, ON – It’s time for the Ford Conservatives to commit to historic investments in public services with its last budget before the provincial election, said the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario during consultations. “There is only one way forward, and that is for Ontario to commit to major and historic investments in…

Central Ontario sees spending cuts of $4.7-billion, public sector workers lose $626-million: CUPE Ontario

TORONTO, ON – It’s time for the Ford Conservatives to commit to historic investments in public services with its last budget before the provincial election, said the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario during consultations. “There is only one way forward, and that is for Ontario to commit to major and historic investments in…

Paramedics call for standardized mental health benefits as working conditions deteriorate through the pandemic

TORONTO, ON – The union representing most Ontario paramedics is calling on the provincial government to address mental health of emergency medical services staff amidst gruelling working conditions through the pandemic. “Paramedics and dispatchers have struggled with heavy workloads for years. But the sharp increase in call volumes and lengthier offload delays at hospitals during…