Tuesday, November 17, 2020

CLAC's Healthcare Hero Pay Campaign Gaining Steam

Two weeks remain in the digital advocacy campaign's run

Cambridge, ON— Two weeks since its November 2 launch, CLAC’s “Make Healthcare Hero Pay Permanent” campaign is continuing to build support, with over 1,500 letters sent by concerned citizens to local MPPs, the Ministers of Health and Long-Term Care (LTC), and Premier Doug Ford.

The digital advocacy initiative invites those who care strongly about the work conditions in the province’s LTC facilities to call on the provincial government to address the sector’s staffing crisis.

“The campaign is focussed on three priorities,” explains Michael Reid, CLAC Ontario healthcare coordinator. “First, for the Ontario government to make permanent and meaningful wage adjustments for front-line hands-on healthcare workers. Second, that the government revise emergency orders so that only homes in the midst of an outbreak can suspend collective agreement privileges such as vacations and leaves of absence. Finally, we are calling on the government to eliminate the wage caps imposed on some healthcare workers by Bill 124.”

“As of November 14, more than 100 LTC homes in the province are in outbreak,” says Ian DeWaard, CLAC Ontario director. “Staff infections make up more than 40 percent of the COVID-19 cases in LTC. Not only do staff face the risk of personal harm, but also incredible physical, mental, and emotional strain from being in the workplace. That is why this campaign is so important.”

Hundreds of citizens from across the province have already taken part in the campaign. CLAC hopes that hundreds more letters will be sent before its November 30, 2020, closing date.

For more information on the campaign and to become involved, visit clac.ca/healthcarehero.

CLAC's Healthcare Hero Pay Campaign Gaining Steam

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