As negotiations between CUPE 5525 and Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged continued on Friday, the picket line in front of 3050 Dufferin Street was reinforced by the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU). Council president Michael Hurley and CUPE Ontario Secretary-Treasurer Yolanda McClean joined the members for a late morning rally.
“These workers have been left out on the picket line for too long,” said Hurley. “We are here to show them that they aren’t alone.”
“CUPE Ontario, and all CUPE members, are standing in solidarity with these workers,” added McClean. “They deserve a fair deal now.”
Members of OCHU, CUPE 7800, and community supporters chanted and marched after a series of rousing speeches. OCHU also presented the local a donation to their strike fund, further cementing their support.
Negotiations are ongoing with the employer.