"Because of the work that you do, my father was able to die at
home, surrounded by his family and home care professionals," Hamilton
area MPP Ted McMeekin told striking home care workers, members of Local
274.
"We need to invest in the kind of society we want for our families
and that's the message I'm taking back to Queen’s Park, together with
your other MPPs," he said.
Members of Local 274 have been on strike against the Hamilton Wentworth
Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) since Oct. 10.
Strikers held a rally outside the CCAC Tuesday evening, Oct. 24, to
celebrate the importance of community health care.
OPSEU President Leah Casselman said health care is more than just
doctors and hospitals, more than bricks and mortar.
"The Health Services Restructuring Commission told the government
to put money into the community before they closed hospitals. The
government didn't listen and our communities are suffering,"
Casselman said.
Lois Boggs, president of Local 269, which just ended a strike against
the Hamilton-Wentworth Victorian Order of Nurses Oct. 3, told the CCAC
group their strike was having an effect. "The government and the CCAC
want us to fight with each other. That's what managed competition is all
about. We're not going to let it happen. Together we'll make sure the
truth gets out" she promised.
Sue McSheffrey, chair of OPSEU's Community Health Care Professionals
Division, reminded the strikers of her local's 10 week strike against the
Renfrew County CCAC.
"There have been four strikes in our sector in the last year.
These issues are province -wide and they are not going away. All OPSEU
members working in home care are behind you," McSheffrey said.
Other speakers included Region 2 vice-president Vic Vinerskis and NDP
MPP Dave Christopherson. MPPs Marie Bountrogianni and Domenic Agostino
sent greetings. Staff from neighbouring CCACs also turned out in support.
Money is at the root of the strike. Wages at the CCAC are approximately
14 per cent below those of surrounding CCACs. Local president Pam Clark
said Hamilton Wentworth is training workers who leave for better paying
jobs elsewhere. In the past 18 months, 32 case managers have left for
CCACs in Brant, Halton, Niagara and Peel.
Strikers wearing crowns made from Kraft Dinner boxes led a rousing
chorus of Solidarity Forever, with a verse focused on the strike
issues:
We're waiting for the parity that really should be there.
That's why we're fighting powerfully for what should be our share,
We're striking for a settlement that's honourable and fair.
We know our cause is right.
You can send strike donations to Local 274 Strike Headquarters, 584
Upper James Street, Hamilton L9C 2Y6.
You can also support the strikers by attending a rally Oct. 28 as part
of the Hamilton Health Coalition Day of Action on Health Care. It’s at
11 a.m. in front of the Community Care Access Centre, 310 Limeridge Road
West.
For additional pictures, click here
