The Canadian Union of Public Employees Ontario said the legislation missed the chance to stabilize precarious working conditions for staff and expressed doubt that the government could meet its direct care targets.
“This new act is a serious disappointment that falls way short of where Ontario should be in improving care and staffing levels in long-term care,” said secretary treasurer Candace Rennick said.
Unions have pointed to low wages as one key factor behind chronically low staffing levels in long-term care. The government announced Thursday it would extend a temporary $3 wage increase for personal support workers until the end of March.
