For the second time this month, a union is complaining about long-term care provider Extendicare understaffing a facility in Greater Sudbury.
CUPE says they want Extendicare York back at the bargaining table to solve staffing shortfalls and burnout
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Members of CUPE local 1182 picketed outside of Extendicare York on Tuesday with support from Nickel Belt NDP MPP France Gélinas and a representative from the office of NDP MPP Jamie West.
The union, which represents about 250 health care workers, wants Extendicare to return to the bargaining table and focus on staffing shortages.
Jason Harasymchuk, a registered practical nurse and union representative for employees of the York branch, said he isn't confident the union will reach an agreement with Extendicare any time soon.
"We're asking for the employer to come back to the table. But the process as a whole is taking too long," he said. "It's like the employer doesn't want to really bargain."
Harasymchuk said the facility is not adequately staffed and that many health care workers have experienced burnout in the last year.
The union and employer have been at a standstill since June 29th, said CUPE in a statement. The two parties have not yet set a date to resume bargaining.
The executive director of Extendicare York did not agree to give CBC News an interview on site, but a spokesperson for the company offered a written statement. The care home said they are committed to working with the union to provide residents and families with the "high-quality care" they count on every day.
"Ontario cares about long-term care ... we care about residents ... they are our neighbours," said France Gélinas, official opposition critic for healthcare with the provincial NDP.
She urged the province to push more funding into long-term care homes. Ontario provides funding for direct nursing and personal care costs, like personal support workers (PSWs).
Earlier this month another long term care home owned by the same company, Extendicare Countryside, was ordered by the provincial Ministry of Health to cease admissions due to non-compliance issues and concerns about patient care.
The workers at Extendicare Countryside, who are represented by the SEIU, have also complained about staffing shortfalls.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Pizzuco-Ennis grew up in Montreal and is a graduating student from the Université du Québec à Montréal's journalism program. Having worked in community radio, she is passionate about telling stories that help people understand their day. She is currently working for CBC Sudbury. You can reach her at olivia.pizzuco-ennis@cbc.ca.
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