More Than 1,000 Ontarians Join in the Cry: “Our Retirement Home Workers Deserve Better!”

CLAC's Make It Fair campaign has received an extraordinary amount of support in little more than a month

Cambridge, ON—After more than a month of pickets, petitions, and published op-eds, CLAC’s Make It Fair campaign has garnered more than 1,000 signatures demanding that retirement home operators across the province immediately increase the wages of their workers. The result has smashed original expectations and proven once again that the people of Ontario want more for those who take care of our most vulnerable populations.

“We are overwhelmed by the support we have received in response to our drive for fair wages in the retirement home sector,” says Trish Douma, regional director of the union's Chatham Member Centre. “Our members, and all those whose lives are touched by the difficult physical and emotional labour that these workers undertake each day, are undoubtedly heartened by this championing of their cause.”

The campaign also called on those employed by retirement homes or who have loved ones working or residing in a home to share their stories. Some of the most touching letters include the following:

“I enjoy what I do, but I feel like PSWs are taken for granted. Teachers can go on strike, but we can't. The cost of living is ridiculous, and some of us have to work more than 40 hours just to pay our bills and support our families. We deserve better.” – Ashanti C., PSW

“I see PSWs struggling to get residents up, and they are constantly short-handed. In turn, we do everything in the dining room, from serving to feeding and everything else—with up to 40 residents by yourself. We’re all exhausted.” – Alice H., dietary aide

“My mom is a resident in a retirement home in Woodstock, Ontario, and I have witnessed the staff working so hard. They are with the residents every day and are often the first to notice a change in behaviour or emotional state. They work extremely hard and are working extra shifts to make sure the residents don't suffer due to staff shortages. They 100-percent deserve to be fairly compensated.” – Gina V.

The signatures will be presented to operators, including Lifetimes Living and Caressant Care, over the coming weeks. Douma and other CLAC staff involved with the project will be available for media comment and interviews. Interested parties can reach out to tdouma@clac.ca.