In an effort to improve their working conditions, the 53 retirement home workers, at Amica Thornhill, voted to join the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), wrapping an early Christmas gift for themselves – a move to help the workers achieve fairness and respect in their workplace.
“Workers from all walks of life want to be treated fairly and with respect,” said Debbie Oldfield, CUPE organizing representative. “With Christmas ahead of us, our newest members will be able to enjoy the holidays with their families knowing full well that they will now have the CUPE family behind them in their goal to improve their working conditions.”
The new members work at the Amica retirement home and are housekeepers, dieticians, cooks, personal support workers, registered practical nurses, administration staff and others who help operate the retirement home located in Thornhill, Ontario.
“CUPE is a leader in representing workers in seniors’ homes and long-term care facilities and we already represent Amica Bayview workers in Toronto,” continued Oldfield. “We know full well the daily challenges these workers have to deal with and we know how to help them address their workplace issues.”
CUPE is Canada’s largest union, representing over 630,000 members in different sectors, including retirement and long-term care, hospitals, universities, schools, municipalities, social services, transportation and other sectors.
For more information, please contact:
Debbie Oldfield, CUPE National Representative, 905-626-1421
James Chai, CUPE Communications, 905-739-3999