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Long-term care workers in Kingston vote to join OPSEU

"For years, OPSEU/NUPGE has campaigned tirelessly to improve conditions inside care facilities for the benefit of patients, their families and workers alike. We look forward to carrying forward that tradition at Waterford." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

Kingston (13 March 2017) — Workers at the Waterford Retirement Residence recently voted in favour of joining the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE).

Workers gain voice by joining OPSEU/NUPGE

Despite a spirited campaign by management to have employees vote against the unionization drive, OPSEU/NUPGE won the day with its pledge to work at improving wages and benefits, and to strengthen job security. The group of 83 employees, which includes personal support workers, registered practical nurses, dieticians, kitchen staff and residential attendants, voted in favour of joining OPSEU/NUPGE by a margin of more than 75 per cent.

"At the end of the day, the workers were looking to gain a voice in the workplace. Work in long-term care facilities and retirement homes is tough work and it's getting tougher as more and more places are privatized. These workers richly deserve all the support we can provide on their behalf," said Joan Corradetti, Chair of OPSEU's long-term care division. "On behalf of OPSEU's 3,500 members who work in long-term care I warmly welcome our newest members at Waterford."

OPSEU/NUPGE a strong advocate for quality long-term care

Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President, said the long-term care workers at Waterford have found themselves a home in the union where patients, clients and community care have always been a priority.

"There's no doubt in my mind that long-term care facilities and retirement homes are best served when workers are unionized," he said. "For years, OPSEU/NUPGE has campaigned tirelessly to improve conditions inside care facilities for the benefit of patients, their families and workers alike. We look forward to carrying forward that tradition at Waterford."