WINNIPEGPrompted by stalled negotiations in their struggle for fair wages and a fair pension, CUPE members who work at Oakview Place and Tuxedo Villa Nursing Homes will hand out information leaflets to the public tomorrow.
The work these members provide is essential to the day-to-day quality of life of residents in these two for-profit nursing homes run by Extendicare, CUPE staff representative Murray Craddock said. Despite the value of their work, they are grossly underpaid, have no pension plan and few benefits.
The 360 CUPE members perform nursing, dietary, laundry, housekeeping and maintenance work but are paid $1.70 an hour less than workers in public sector nursing homes who do the same work.
The workers, who are members of CUPE Locals 1475 and 2180, also want a pension plan. Extendicare contributes 50/50 to a pension plan covering its nurse employees at both homes.
All these workers want is fairness a fair wage increase and a fair pension plan, Craddock said. Many are long-serving, dedicated workers who deserve better treatment.
The CUPE members information picket will be held tomorrow from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 2395 Ness Avenue (Oakview Place Nursing Home) and 2060 Corydon Avenue (Tuxedo Villa Nursing Home).
The Canadian Union of Public Employees is Canadas largest union representing more than a half-million women and men across the country. In Manitoba, CUPE represents
24,000 members in health care, education, municipalities, social services, child cares, utilities, libraries and emergency services.
-30
For more information, contact:
Murray Craddock, CUPE staff representative
Phone: (204) 942-0343 ex. 209,
Cell phone: 981-6031