This time last year, York Region was celebrating being named one of Canada’s best employers by Forbes. This year, the region didn’t crack the top 300, validating what CUPE 4900 members have long known: York Regional Municipality is no longer an employer of choice.
After placing as high as sixth overall in government employers, this year’s list reflects a drastic decline in worker satisfaction, and a growing disconnect between York Region’s public reputation and the lived experience of its workforce.
CUPE 4900’s recently completed membership survey revealed that roughly half of York Regional Municipality workers do not live in York Region, the vast majority because they can’t afford rent with their wages. The survey further found that 41 per cent of members have a second job to make ends meet and 53 per cent struggle to afford their rent or mortgage each month.
“Top employers don’t have workers who are barely keeping their head above water. For years, York Regional Municipality has pointed to their ranking as evidence that they are a great place to work while ignoring their own workers who have been calling out for change,” said Crystal Cook, a registered practical nurse and CUPE 4900 President. “People who truly have a living wage do not go to food banks or pay off one credit card with another.”
Beyond the financial strain, CUPE 4900 members report increasing rates of stress and burnout with little regard from management for staffing levels or workload sustainability. Not only has management ignored workers needs, but they’ve also tried to undermine worker solidarity and confidence in their union following the rejection of a tentative deal in December.
Together this explains why York Regional Municipality has become a stepping stone for workers who get training and experience and then leave for better pay and more support elsewhere.
“The Forbes ranking isn’t a public relations problem to be managed, it’s a workplace culture issue that must be addressed,” said Cook. “If York Regional Municipality wants to rebuild its reputation as an employer of choice and refresh the trust of workers, it needs to start by listening to us, respecting our union, and addressing the very real challenges we face on the job and at home. Awards are earned through action, not slogans.”
CUPE 4900 has been trying to return to the bargaining table since the tentative deal was rejected more than 6 weeks ago to resolve the challenges facing workers and residents with practical solutions. The two sides will finally resume bargaining this week.