Striking workers at North York LTC home say replacement workers not providing quality service to seniors
Social Sharing
As personal care workers at a North York long-term care home strike for benefits, sick days and higher wages, they say replacement workers are undermining their efforts and providing sub-par care to seniors.
The 25 members of CUPE Local 5525, who support senior residents at Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged in North York, were on the picket line Friday.
Workers have been on the picket line for three weeks now, following three years of collective bargaining that began when they unionized in 2022, according to CUPE's website. The primary cause of the strike, according to CUPE, are "poverty wages" and cuts to workers' benefits and sick days.
Lilinaa Lena, a personal support worker at Villa Colombo, says her job requires a certificate diploma but after years of stagnation, it now pays just above minimum wage. She says even with current benefits and pay, some of her colleagues have to work two jobs.
Lena says while she's out striking, replacement workers are undermining the union.
"They are stealing our jobs," she said Friday.
More than that, she says, they don't provide the same quality of service to the residents as she and her unionized colleagues.
"They don't arrive on time, they don't give the right medication," she said. "We have a good connection with the seniors. They are the same as family. We help them."
NDP MPP Alexa Gilmour, who joined workers on the picket line Friday, said wants Villa Colombo "to listen to the workers and reach a fair deal so that those seniors can receive the quality care that they deserve from the people that they trust."
"Their employer has brought in scab labour, and the seniors are paying a price for that, because it lowers the quality of care," Gilmour said, adding that the Ontario NDP wants the provincial government to implement legislation against replacement workers.
In a flyer distributed to clients and their families, Villa Colombo Toronto said it would not withhold services from clients while workers strike.
"We would never leave our clients without care," the Villa Colombo flyer said. "That would go against everything we stand for."
Employer says fair deal has been tabled
In the same flyer, Villa Colombo Toronto said the union's statements aren't true, and that the employer "has tabled a generous offer" that includes "good hourly wages, ample sick days, generous dental and drug plans, long-term disability coverage, and a best-in-class pension plan."
Lisa Alcia, executive director of Villa Colombo Toronto said in an email that over nearly 50 years, Villa Colombo Toronto has built respectful, trusted relationships with staff.
"While we are disappointed by the current strike, we remain committed to delivering seamless care to our clients and hope to see our valued employees return to work under the fair and generous agreement we've offered — one that stands above sector standards and was validated by the Ontario Labour Relations Board," she said.
The employer is offering workers a nearly nine per cent retroactive pay increase, a spokesperson for Villa Colombo Toronto said in an email.
Villa Colombo Toronto describes the long-term care (LTC) site on its website as a "designated ethno-specific facility that encompasses all aspects of Italian life and culture into the care and services provided."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
44 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
STR Launch Launches Innovative Co‑Leasing Model in Canada
Toronto, ON - STR Launch, a pioneering force in short‑term rental investing, is redefining how Canadians build profitable real estate portfolios— without buying property, furnishing, or managing guests. Employing its proprietary Co‑Leasing system, the company provides complete end‑to‑end support across Airbnb, VRBO, and STR Launch's signature 4-Step Process: - Property Sourcing & Negotiation: Locates fully furnished, rent-ready units and secures landlord approval. - Listing Set-Up: Creates optimized listings across major platforms. - Launch & Automation: System fully launches, with guest communication, pricing, and cleaning all automated. - Performance Monitoring: Guides clients through performance tracking—backed by a 90‑day profitability guarantee: no profit, no payment. 'Our system lets Canadians tap into U.S. cash flow without the traditional hurdles of real estate investing,' said Jacob McCrae, Founder and CEO at STR Launch. 'From sourcing properties to automating operations, we've taken everything that intimidates new investors off their plate.' STR Launch has already launched more than 50 short‑term rental properties, helping investors achieve consistent monthly income while avoiding down payments, mortgage applications, credit checks, furnishing expenses, and in-person management. To learn more, visit or contact Jacob McCrae at contact@ About STR Launch Founded by portfolio investor Jacob McCrae, STR Launch transforms the short-term rental experience with its co-leasing methodology—designed to be fast, efficient, and zero-risk. The team ensures clients are fully onboarded, set up, and ready to collect returns within 90 days or receive a full refund.
CBC
3 hours ago
- CBC
Mike Pemberton elected new leader of the Yukon Liberal Party
Members of the Yukon Liberal Party have chosen their next leader and the territory's next premier: businessman Mike Pemberton. "We are here tonight as part of a proud, and strong Liberal movement that is rooted in community. Compassion. And the belief that we can work together to build a brighter future for all Yukoners," Pemberton said. Pemberton narrowly won by 14 votes. Out of a total of 873 votes, Pemberton received 442, while fellow candidate Doris Bill received 429. Pemberton has been involved with the federal and territorial Liberals for more than 20 years. He was the spokesperson for Ranj Pillai's campaign when the current premier and party leader ran uncontested for the Yukon Liberal Party leadership. He also previously owned a furniture store in downtown Whitehorse. He's served on the Whitehorse and Yukon chambers of commerce, the Yukon Development Corporation and the board of Yukon Energy. Pemberton is now premier-designate until a swearing-in ceremony. Once sworn in, They will then serve as the territory's 11th premier until the next general election, which must happen before November 3.
CTV News
3 hours ago
- CTV News
‘Family-friendly kind of Ale Trail': Tour Crowsnest Pass ice cream shops this summer
The Alberta Ale Trail is adding a sweet new addition for this summer. The Ice Cream and Ale Trail will offer a sweet family-friendly alternative. The Alberta Ale Trail is adding a sweet new addition for this summer. The Ice Cream and Ale Trail will offer a sweet family-friendly alternative. The Alberta Ale Trail is adding a sweet new addition for this summer. The Ice Cream and Ale Trail will offer a sweet family-friendly alternative. The trail will encourage travellers to visit ice cream shops from the Crowsnest Pass all the way to Medicine Hat. Planning for the trail goes back to late last summer. Ale Trail organizers feel combining breweries and ice cream shops will shine light on more southern Alberta businesses. 'Really excited to offer a more family-friendly kind of Ale Trail—an Ice Cream and Ale Trail,' said Blair Berdusco, Alberta Small Brewers Association executive director. 'It just offers more opportunity to explore small businesses throughout Alberta, but especially specifically on this trail in southern Alberta on Highway 3. 'We're really excited about the new opportunity.' The Alberta Ale Trail is adding a sweet new addition for this summer. The Ice Cream and Ale Trail will offer a sweet family-friendly alternative. The Alberta Ale Trail is adding a sweet new addition for this summer. The Ice Cream and Ale Trail will offer a sweet family-friendly alternative. A launch pop-up event will be held at the Stronghold Brewery in Fort Macleod on June 26.
