Local CUPE members host information picket on Bill 140

Representatives of CUPE local 146 held an information picket outside of Cassellholme this afternoon in protest the McGuinty Government’s proposed Long Term Care Homes Act.

Caregivers say the bill will add to the already heavy workload duties and less time will be dedicated for resident care.

“Today is about our big disappointment with Bill 140 where the government has not included 3.5 minimum hours of care as they said they would,” explains Corrine Haber, Vice President CUPE local 146.

“It’s to protect our residents and our workers in the facilities through out Ontario.”

Haber says the key issue her union has with the bill is the area of care allotted for the residents and wants to see McGuinty restore the minimum.

“Prior to the Harris Government we had 2.25 minimum hours of care, which that alone was not enough and that was abolished,” she states.

The union says workers are already stretched thin and the bill will challenge their ability to deliver basic necessary care such as baths, foot care and/or exercise.

Haber says because Cassellholme is a municipal home, workers have some flexibility and control, but she worries what the care will be like at private homes and other long term care facilities.

“ Now some residents that might be more than able to look after themselves would receive virtually no care.”

“It’s about the health, safety and wellbeing of both the residents and workers that the minimum hours of care will look after.”

Front line workers also say they have lost their voice and ability to offer input on the bill because only four cities were scheduled for consultations; Toronto (January 16-17), Kingston (January 22), Sudbury (January 23) and London (January 24).

As the consultation process continues CUPE leaders have called for more province-wide demonstrations in an effort to keep the heat on the government to include the minimum standard of care.