As Federal anti-scab legislation comes into force, Ontario workers are left out to dry

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The long awaited federal anti-scab legislation comes into force today, making it illegal for federally regulated employers to employ replacement workers, also known as scabs during a strike or lock out. While this milestone is a great step in the right direction for workers in Canada, it is cold comfort for the 25 striking members of CUPE 5525 at Villa Columbo in Toronto’s West End.

Faced with poverty wages and poor working conditions, these workers took to the picket lines after two years of collective bargaining fell apart four weeks ago. Their employer, Villa Columbo, has completely disengaged from bargaining since the strike began after employing scab labour to try and replace the striking workers.

The replacement workers come in late and lack the deep relationships and care that the residents of Villa Columbo have developed with their usual caretakers. Despite the reduction in quality of care, the employer is content to leave these workers on the picket line without a fair deal. Villa Charities boasts about their staff training at Villa Columbo in their 2023 annual report yet leave that talent and investment, unrecognized in their choice to hire scabs.

Striking workers continue to walk the picket line outside Villa Columbo Toronto. Villa Charities claim to value “Compassion, Integrity, Transparency, Collaboration, Excellence, Respect and Diversity” on their website. So long as scabs fill the role of these brave workers at Villa Columbo, those will remain just words.

WC:pp/cope491