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On May 19, we honour the dedication, strength, and compassion of Personal Support Workers (PSWs) across Ontario.
Unifor represents thousands of PSWs working in long-term care homes, hospitals, home care, and community settings.
PSWs play a vital role in our health care system. They are essential to the care, comfort, and dignity of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. They assist with everything from daily hygiene to emotional support and end-of-life care. Their work is demanding—physically, mentally, emotionally and yet they continue to show up, day in and day out.
But the truth is, PSWs have been undervalued for far too long.
Despite being essential to the health care system, many PSWs face low wages, part-time, precarious work and chronic understaffing that puts both workers and residents at risk. Unifor continues to push for bold changes that reflect the true value of this work.
That means full-time, stable jobs with benefits.
It means a regulated minimum of four hours of care per resident per day in long-term care.
It means real recognition—not just in words, but in legislation, funding, and collective agreements.
We also continue to fight for sector-wide staffing strategies that reduce burnout, strengthen public funding and prioritize the voices of workers on the front lines.
PSWs are not just support—they are care.
On PSW Day, we say thank you. Not just for your care, but for your courage. For continuing to fight for better—better jobs, better care and a better health care system for everyone.
