MPP BAILEY URGES LIBERAL GOVERNMENT TO HELP RESOLVE PSW STRIKE

Sarnia – On Friday, MPP Bob Bailey urged Premier Wynne to show leadership and acknowledge the concerns of the 4500 Red Cross Personal Support Workers currently on strike across the province.

“I am very concerned that vulnerable people, including seniors, will no longer receive much needed care as long as the strike continues; Premier Wynne and the Liberal Government cannot continue to ignore a situation that risks the health and well-being of some of our community’s most vulnerable members. ” said MPP Bob Bailey

Personal Support Workers employed by the Red Cross have been on strike since December 11^th, disrupting services to 48 000 people who depend on PSWs for their homecare. PSWs make $15/hour and have not seen a wage increase in 5 years, amounting to a 7% wage cut when inflation and the cost of living are taken into account.

“PSWs perform a vital service in our community. They often work under difficult circumstances and deserve to be paid a fair wage. If the Liberal Government had not wasted billions of dollars on cancelled gas plants among the many other scandals, they would be able to invest in this vital service,” added MPP Bailey

“It’s clear that the priorities of this Liberal government are out of touch with the needs of Ontario families. The Premier needs to encourage the Red Cross Care Partners and SEIU Healthcare to return to the bargaining table so a swift and fair resolution can be reached by both parties.

“I am hopeful that we’ll see an end to this soon, but if you know of any seniors who may not be receiving their regular services during this dispute, please take some time and check in on them over the coming weeks,” MPP Bailey concluded.