Community health care workers from Local 5115 of OPSEU/SEFPO have been on strike for two weeks after their employer refused to offer them a fair deal. These frontline workers are facing a health care crisis in Regent Park, where they are fighting against the poisoned drug epidemic and saving lives in the community.
The Regent Park Community Health Centre (RPCHC) was established over 50 years ago to cater to the health needs of residents in the area. RPCHC provides critical services and programs, including overdose prevention programs, support for addictions and homelessness, and primary health care. However, with frozen wages for nearly six years and benefits that have been frozen for 30 years, these essential workers are struggling to make ends meet. They are calling for better wages, benefits, and a psychologically safe internal work environment.
The situation has led to a recruitment and retention crisis among community health care workers like those at RPCHC. Despite five months of bargaining, the employer has refused to offer a deal that prioritizes the well-being of clients and workers. The staff at RPCHC is demanding action to address the pressing issues faced by these essential workers in Regent Park.
On Thursday, April 4th, there will be a news conference and rally hosted by Local 5115 of OPSEU/SEFPO to talk about the impact of the health care crisis on vulnerable clients and call on RPCHC management to end the strike. Solidarity guests will include fellow striking workers from the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 535.
This situation highlights the importance of addressing the needs of essential workers in our communities who are often underpaid within the healthcare sector. It is crucial that we come together as a society to ensure that these brave individuals receive fair compensation for their hard work while also providing necessary support services for vulnerable populations in need.
