Ontario Nursing Home Bargaining 2010

One hundred CAW Ontario LTC chair-people, local union and staff representatives met in Toronto December 10 and 11 to discuss bargaining strategy for more then 70 nursing home agreements that expire in 2010.

CAW Assistant to the President Bob Chernecki noted that there are many factors that will affect our negotiations, and that open and frank discussions are critical to our accomplishments in this sector. “It’s so important that we sit down together to not only evaluate where we are, but to also look at the challenges we know we will face. Most major for-profit corporations who operate our nursing homes continue to earn solid profits for their shareholders, despite the economic crisis.”

Natalie Mehra, Director of the Ontario Health Coalition also addressed the group, stressing the urgent need to push for a regulated measurable standard of care in the new LTC draft regulations. “The CAW has always been a leader in this fight, with the ‘Dignity is a Minimum Standard’ campaign. With continued support and pressure, this is definitely something we can win.” Mehra also congratulated the CAW Ontario Health Care Council for their renewed commitment to the campaign with their pledge of up to $30,000.00 for materials in 2010, and thanked the CAW National Union, Councils and Local Unions for their financial support.

CAW will negotiate at three master long term care tables in 2010 representing over 5000 members, as well as several individual homes. CAW National President Ken Lewenza, who joined the group for the meetings congratulated them on their proactive approach to bargaining. “Negotiating improvements for those who have dedicated themselves to providing care to our elderly, will also directly improve the lives of those they care for, and that is something our entire union is committed to.”