“Defend Ontarians with disabilities now”: CUPE Ontario says 2.6 million Ontarians face additional barriers and are in danger due to PPE shortages

There are growing signs that the 2.6 million Ontarians with disabilities are being left behind during this crisis. Underlying medical issues mean people with disabilities are more susceptible to contract the virus and to experience its more severe effects. If they do contract the virus, the province has failed to provide home testing. And while…

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“We need action to support communities impacted the most”: CUPE Ontario rings alarm about equity-seekers during the pandemic

We all certainly are in this fight against COVID-19 and its impacts together, but some of us are experiencing the impacts of this crisis more than others. While most Ontarians are stuck inside, others are on our front-lines. They’re in our long-term care facilities caring for the elderly; in group homes caring for people with…

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As outbreaks in Ontario long-term care homes continue, why are residents not being taken to hospital for higher care?

TORONTO, ON – As thousands of hospital staff from many different occupations selflessly volunteer to work in long-term care (LTC) homes afflicted with COVID-19 outbreaks, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is asking whether the decision not to transfer residents to hospital is sound. In other jurisdictions, which are far more successful at containing…

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The Star: Temporary agency workers have long been a crutch for a care system in crisis, experts say. Now, they are exempt from new COVID-19 health directives

“We know there is a complete staffing crisis with respect to shortages and retention and recruitment. They are so reliant on this temporary agency contract work that they need to exempt them from a fundamental order to keep people safe.” – Candace Rennick, CUPE Ontario Secretary-Treasurer Click here to read the full article.

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