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More than 130 Ontario long-term care workers showed solidarity during Unifor’s Long-Term Care Bargaining Conference that took place in Toronto from March 18 to 20, 2024.
“Reflecting on the energy and the collective resolve at this year's conference, it's clear that the path to success in this round of bargaining is not just about negotiation; it's about redefining the very essence of long-term care in Canada,” said Kelly-Anne Orr, Assistant to national officers. “As we move forward, the strategies and solidarity fostered at the conference will undoubtedly be the driving force behind our upcoming bargaining efforts.”
The conference brought together a diverse group of LTC members across Ontario all united by a common goal: to address the pressing issues facing long-term care and to strategize for the imminent bargaining period.
It was a moment of powerful dialogue, where the voices of LTC workers were not just heard but amplified, echoing the need for substantial change and improvement in the sector.
The discussions at the conference centered around several critical issues, including staffing shortages, the need for improved working conditions, and the need for better pay and benefits for LTC workers.
Unifor members in LTC note that these issues have a significant, negative consequence on quality of care for LTC residents. These challenges are not new, but the approach to tackling them in the upcoming bargaining promises to be innovative and aggressive.
One of the main strategies highlighted was the importance of unity among LTC workers. By standing together, workers aim to present a united front in bargaining negotiations, ensuring that their demands for fair compensation and safer working conditions are not just considered but acted upon.
Members left the conference with a strong resolve to carry the spirit of collaboration, determination, and hope that defined this year's conference into bargaining later this year.
