TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the province-wide hospital sector staffing crisis worsens and impacts patient care, workers at the Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital in Toronto are imploring their employer to listen to their concerns and implement real solutions.
“The staffing shortage entails poor working conditions as it means going without breaks and constantly feeling pressure to provide optimum patient care in difficult circumstances,” says Casey Barnett, president of CUPE 79, which represents over 1,000 workers at the site, including RNs, RPNs, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, and speech language pathologists.
“The expectation for staff to sacrifice their own well-being is not acceptable. We simply want better working conditions, which would also be good for patients as ultimately, healthcare workers want to form better relationships with the patients they serve,” she says. “Having the time to understand people’s medical history and developing an appropriate care plan is invaluable.”
The union has put forward solutions to the employer to address the staffing crisis, which includes a fair wage increase and better working conditions in the ongoing round of bargaining. CUPE 79 represents two bargaining units: the nurses and paramedical group, and the service employees. The former has not had a contract since March 2020 and the workers in the latter group have been working without one since September 2021.
On Tuesday, September 12, the union is holding a rally outside the hospital that will be attended by hundreds of members and their allies.
“The workers are determined to fight for a fair contract. Other employers in the sector have stepped up – it’s time for Hennick Bridgepoint to do the same,” says Barnett.
Who: |
Casey Barnett, President of CUPE 79; Fred Hahn, President of CUPE Ontario;
Lily Chang, CLC Secretary-Treasurer. |
What: |
CUPE 79 hospital workers demonstration and rally |
When: |
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 12 |
Where: |
Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital,
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lf/cope491
