TORONTO – The members of CUPE Local 5525 have been on strike since May 28th, after rejecting an offer riddled with concessions that attack their benefits, and this strike denies the workers the tools they need to provide safe and respectful care to their clients. The employer, Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged, hired replacement (scab) workers to do the work of the striking personal support workers they are sidelining. According to both the residents and neglected, the conditions and family members of residents, Villa Colombo’s care is spiraling out.
The members of CUPE 5525, many of whom have over a decade of service in their community, are fighting to keep Villa Colombo a safe and respectful place to live for those in their home. These residents are some of the most vulnerable in our society and require the level of personal care the members of 5525 have provided for their golden years with dignity. The residents have been complaining that the replacement workers show up late, don’t perform the needed tasks, and in some cases, much worse.
The residents are tired of Villa Colombo driving down the quality of their care to try and punish the members of 5525 for forming a union. Several residents and their family members are prepared to tell their stories to the media, to ensure the word gets out that all is not well in their community.
The Union and residents of Villa Colombo, call on Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged, and their parent organization Villa Charities, to immediately stop using replacement scab labour that is putting seniors at risk, and return to the bargaining table with a meaningful offer on sick leave and a benefits package that reflects the value the members of 5525 bring to the community.
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For more information, contact:
Erik Shlujak
CUPE Communications Representative
[email protected]
416-707-1491
