Latest news with #CUPE5525
National Post
3 hours ago
- National Post
As Federal anti-scab legislation comes into force, Ontario workers are left out to dry
Article content TORONTO — 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. Article content 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. Article content Article content 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. Article content 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. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content For more information, please contact: Article content Article content Article content
National Post
12-06-2025
- Politics
- National Post
Striking personal care workers at Villa Colombo strengthened by growing political, union and community support
Article content TORONTO — Twenty-five personal care workers who support senior residents at Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged will themselves receive support and solidarity on Friday, when they welcome a second round of special visitors to their North York picket line. Article content Joining the striking members of CUPE 5525 tomorrow will be Ontario NDP MPP Alexa Gilmour, Critic for Women's Social and Economic Opportunity; and union allies from CUPE Local 2, which represents TTC electricians, technicians, communications and signals workers. Article content Article content In Villa Colombo's supportive housing units, residents continue to express their solidarity with the dedicated workers who make it possible for seniors to live independently in the community. In growing numbers, residents are signing a petition in support of the striking workers and lodging daily complaints about the quality of care provided by the agency replacement workers hired by Villa Colomba. Article content CUPE 5525 members have built strong relationships with seniors over many years, but replacement workers have no connection to the seniors in the homes. Residents report unwelcome and risky changes to their daily routine, mistakes with medication, and anxiety produced by unfamiliar workers attempting to provide intimate personal care. Article content Poverty wages and cuts to workers' benefits and sick days are at the root of the three-week-old strike at Villa Colombo. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
National Post
30-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Villa Colombo Hires Replacement Agency Workers during CUPE 5525 Strike, Puts Residents and Public at Risk
Article content TORONTO — Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. has hired replacement agency workers in response to the ongoing CUPE 5525 strike. Article content Article content Personal Care Workers at Villa Colombo's Supportive Housing Unit began their strike action on Wednesday, May 28; instead of moving towards a resolution of outstanding issues, the employer has decided to disrespect workers and residents alike by replacing CUPE 5525 members at the home. Article content The absence of a provincial anti-scab law in Ontario is needlessly prolonging strikes, as employers' use of job-stealing replacement workers puts both the public and workers at risk. Article content Agency workers are not trained or certified to the standards of Personal Care Workers with CUPE 5525. Some residents have already mentioned that they are unhappy with the sudden replacement. Villa Colombo workers are trained to a high standard of care and have longstanding relationships with residents in the supportive housing unit. Article content In addition to their lack of experience and training, replacement workers are more expensive overall than CUPE 5525 Personal Care Workers. Not only does this decision by Villa Colombo management hurt the residents and staff, but it also hurts their own bottom line when they hire these outside agency workers to replace CUPE 5525 members. Article content Outstanding issues in the strike include paid sick days and health benefits for part-time workers, no reductions in paid sick days for full-time workers, and no changes to the existing scheduling system. The employer has refused to agree with the union on these items. Workers are conducting this strike to defend the health and safety of both themselves and the residents alike. Article content A picket line is being held weekdays from 8:00am – 4:00pm at 3010 and 3050 Dufferin Street in Toronto, just outside Villa Colombo. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
National Post
28-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Villa Colombo Personal Care Workers Strike for Paid Sick Days and Benefits
Article content TORONTO — Personal Care Workers at Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. are on strike as of Wednesday, May 28. CUPE 5525 members in the Supportive Housing Unit have been negotiating with Villa Colombo for over a year and have reached an impasse with the employer. Article content Article content 'Throughout the pandemic, Villa Colombo staff worked tirelessly to keep residents healthy and safe,' said CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn. 'Now the employer is proposing to keep part time workers excluded from existing health benefits and reducing paid sick days for full-timers. Sick employees should not be forced to work with vulnerable residents.' Article content Proper health benefits and paid sick days are crucial to protecting vulnerable residents from infection. Article content Despite full awareness of the risks of having staff work while sick, Villa Colombo is pushing to reduce paid sick days for full-time workers and keep part-time workers' sick days at zero. As it stands, workers would be penalized with lost wages by making the responsible decision to stay home when they are ill. Article content Further, the employer wants to keep part-time workers excluded from existing health and benefits plans and make significant and disruptive changes to the existing scheduling system. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
