CUPE Ontario recognizes the important, extraordinary contributions that workers in the non-profit sector provide to virtually every community across our province. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, communities have been able to get by, and even survive, thanks to the profound, noble work of non-profit workers both on the frontline and beyond. Here in Ontario, this takes shape in countless ways—from emergency child care, to food banks and mental health supports, the protection of child welfare, direct support to people with disabilities, the administration of social programs, and so much more. We are all touched in some way by the unsung workers in this vital sector.
While non-profits vary greatly in the services they provide, something special unites them all—a highly skilled and dedicated workforce that recognizes the importance of public services, and the social benefit of working together for the common good. Non-profits don’t amass wealth for business owners, instead, they fill critical gaps in our social infrastructure through necessary community-based services.
This year, Ontario will recognize an inaugural “Non-Profit Sector Week of Appreciation” between February 14 – 20th, 2022, to appreciate the truly outstanding work of those in the sector.
Historically, the non-profit sector has been significantly overlooked and sadly underappreciated. During the pandemic, countless non-profit workers have been forgotten on the frontline, working tirelessly despite long hours, burnout and exhaustion, lack of adequate paid sick leave, and with little, fleeting recognition. To truly appreciate this work, we must evolve beyond empty platitudes to concrete, real action that preserves and expands necessary services and honors the workers who provide them.
Adequate, consistent, public funding is paramount to the survival of non-profits, who increasingly rely on charitable donations, mergers and amalgamations, and budget cuts to continue fulfilling increasing service needs. While recognition and appreciation are fundamental to raising awareness of this vital work, more needs to be done to ensure its continuity.
There are three cardinal points that must be acted upon to ensure the continuation of non-profit work and the true appreciation of this dedicated workforce:
- Adequate, consistent government funding to ensure that this vital work may continue without fear of closures or stark budget cuts that compromise service delivery
- Repeal Bill 124, wage-restricting, punitive legislation that puts non-profit workers further behind the cost-of-living
- A provincial non-profit workforce strategy that addresses chronic short staffing, poor recruitment and retention, with a $25 minimum wage floor and decent benefits
It is undeniable that the contributions of workers in the non-profit sector have been invaluable and pivotal to the lives of Ontarians. It’s time for decision-makers, elected leaders, and our broader communities to come together to truly recognize the importance of the non-profit sector and address the systemic issues that impact the sector’s good function.
