Retirement home workers in Canada officially join the USW

Workers at the Seasons Dufferin Centre retirement home in Trenton, Ontario, have officially become USW members after holding a secret-ballot vote supervised by the Ontario Ministry of Labour.

Workers said they considered joining a union at various times in the past and their concerns over working conditions came to a head during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought staff turnover, increased workloads, and employees’ concerns going unaddressed.

“The expectations and the demands they put on us have been incredible,” said Amanda Grant, one of the workers who joined the USW.

Next steps for the employees include electing a bargaining committee and negotiating their first collective agreement with their employer.

“In the best of times, these workers provide vital care and services to our seniors under challenging conditions and circumstances,” said Marty Warren, USW Director for Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

Click here to read more about the new members in Canada.