Essex, ON – Workers at the Extendicare-run Iler Lodge are sounding the alarm after months of issues with the new payroll system has left some dreading the holidays. The roughly 140 members of CUPE local 1370 have filed three grievances and have been trying to work with management to resolve issues caused by a new payroll system that the long-term care facility rolled out earlier this year.
Every pay period brings up new issues, from unpaid top-ups for PSWs and nursing staff, to issues with the vacation and time off allotments.
CUPE has been working with management to correct the issues with they pay system since May, but the issues have persisted in the Essex home. Similar issues also occurred in other Extendicare facilities in the province, but in Essex the issues persist. The members show up every day to provide continuity of care and service to the community, and the employer has been taking advantage of their compassion by failing to show the same respect and commitment in paying employees accurately and on time.
“These are members who are already marginalized, already working multiple jobs to cover their bills,” said Suanne Hawkins, National Representative for local 1370. “Something must be done.”
The union is preparing to escalate if the situation is not resolved soon.
Members of CUPE local 1370 want to share their experiences to shine a light on the issues they are facing in the hopes that management will take the initiative to fix the errors in the system and ensure that these pay issues stop.
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For more information, contact:
Bill Chalupiak
CUPE Communications Representative
416-707-1401
:gv/cope491
