On Monday, June 29, members from locals participating in the Extendicare Central Bargaining table will be boarding buses across the province to hold a rally at Extendicare’s head office in Markham.
These eight CUPE local unions represent 1,100 long-term care staff currently bargaining with Extendicare. The employees are calling on the for-profit corporation to address chronic understaffing, low wages and inadequate benefits – issues directly tied to resident care. Extendicare previously withdrew from talks in early April, leading to a three-month standstill in contract negotiations.
For the past eight years the Extendicare Central Table agreement has set the precedent for collective bargaining within the sector. For-profit employers like Extendicare, are trying to break this pattern so they can once again flatten wages and weaken working conditions in the sector. These members aren’t just fighting for themselves; they are fighting for all long-term care and retirement home workers in Ontario.
The solidarity rally will take place from 10am – 2pm at Extendicare’s head office, 3000 Steeles Ave East in Markham.