Hospital workers are speaking out against Bill 195.
It allows the province to extend emergency orders around the coronavirus crisis indefinitely.
Canadian Union of Public Employees representative Corinne Webb says it’s also giving the government power over their bargaining rights.
“Premier Ford lauded health care workers as Heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic. But now, even though they’re saying things are better and the pandemic is on the downturn, he still wants to be able to suspend collective bargaining right for workers,” says Webb.
Webb says that includes employers being able to cancel or deny vacations or leaves of absence, change workers’ hours or move workers to other positions.
“We’re hoping and asking the public’s support to pressure the government with us to have those rights restored. If not, we will be pushing forward, as CUPE and the Ontario Council of Hospitals Unions does with further political action.”
CUPE has also launched a letter writing campaign at https://cupe.on.ca/stopbill195/
(With files from Randy Thoms-Fort Frances)
