Supportive housing for women fleeing domestic violence at capacity in North Bay; workers issue a call to action to expand programs to meet need for services

Social Services, Women's

Toronto, ON—As instances of domestic and intimate partner violence continue to spike during the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of emergency frontline workers at North Bay’s Nipissing Transition House issue a call for expanded programs and enhanced workplace protections to better support women and their children. “We simply don’t have the resources or space we need…

“Locked out refugee settlement workers deserve better”: CUPE Ontario sends message of solidarity to CUPE Local 2348 members

Social Services

When Winnipeg residents who rely on refugee settlement services discovered that the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC) locked out staff, it highlighted the essential services members of CUPE Local 2348 provide. From across province, CUPE Ontario’s 280,000 members are in complete solidarity with the members who’ve been locked out since April 27 and who have…

“A Day of Action for the Day of Mourning”: It’s time to redouble our efforts to protect workers

COVID-19, Health and Safety, Health Care, Injured Workers, Municipal, School Boards, Social Services, Solidarity, University

Every year, on April 28, we pause to mourn and recognize workers who have been injured and killed on the job. And while we remember we also understand the fundamental importance of the political work of fighting for the living by redoubling our efforts to demand real safety for workers and the communities that rely…

Frontline community mental health and addictions workers stand up for improved services: workers to strike 12:01 a.m. April 23

Social Services

Toronto, ON—Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) members at CUPE Local 4891 are beginning job action in protest of chronic underfunding to community mental health and addictions services as the pandemic takes a heavy toll on frontline workers. “Ontarians experiencing mental health concerns or addictions are suffering because they don’t have the support they need…

Youth justice workers call for expanded Ombudsman’s investigation into facility closures

Social Services

Toronto, ON—CUPE urges the Ontario Ombudsman to expand the scope of its investigation into the sudden, covert closure of 26 youth justice facilities that occurred earlier this month.  CUPE workers at three of the closed facilities describe the Ministry’s closure decision and operation as “cruel, unjust, and heartless”. The investigation must explore the rights of…

Developmental service workers at Tamir Foundation vote 96.2 per cent in favour of striking if necessary

Social Services

OTTAWA, ON – Front line developmental service workers at Tamir Foundation, who support Jewish adults with developmental disabilities, voted overwhelmingly in favour of striking if necessary. “We’re disappointed in our employer’s refusal to improve paid sick leave, introduce a wellness day, or address the fact that members are covering insurance premiums and costs for vehicles…

Toronto respite workers join CUPE

Social Services

TORONTO, ON – Housing and respite workers at the St. Felix Centre in Toronto are the newest members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). Today the Ontario Labour Relations Board certified that the 155 workers are officially CUPE members, following a near-unanimous vote that ended January 12. The St. Felix Centre provides supports…