The fact is that Personal Support Workers love their clients. We have witnessed a mutual admiration among clients and PSWs. One client told us that he is seen by PSWs 7 days a week, and that his 3 PSWs come from the RCCP. He supports the strike action, and even refused care from temporary staff, because he believed in what ‘his girls’ were fighting for! Another client hurt his leg, but came to the picket lines in his mobility scooter just to tell his PSW to keep fighting for ‘what you deserve’.
These are only two glimpses into the many stories that we have been flooded with from clients as well as PSWs.
These are the human faces of this campaign and strike.
The fact is that for more than a week, we have stood in solidarity on the picket lines all over the province, often in sub-zero temperatures. And every day, the Red Cross has maintained silence. Instead of returning to the bargaining table, they have continued to watch their own employees suffer through their office windows. Like an arrogant older brother, they have ignored the cries from their sisters and brothers.
The Red Cross knows how much their employees love their clients, and how painful it is for them to be away. Yet, they continue to avoid engaging in reasonable conversation in order to resolve this strike.
We started the Justice4PSWs campaign to bring a voice to these important caregivers, and to raise awareness of the unfair practices of the Red Cross. Despite what may be reported, this strike is not primarily about dollar signs, but about recognition and justice. Recognition for the complex multiple roles that Personal Support Workers juggle on a daily basis, as well as raising awareness around the appalling employment practices of the Red Cross Care Partners – a profitable ‘social enterprise’ of the Canadian Red Cross Society .
Yes, those on strike are demanding a fair wage and better compensation for travel; but these asks are a basic result of recognizing the tremendous amount of work that PSWs do. Spreading awareness is the first step towards any future gains and justice.
As a result of this campaign, in just one week:
• Close to 1,000 people have written to their MPPs;
• This blog has been visited more than 11,000 times by people in ten countries – bringing international attention to the cause of PSWs;
• This strike has gained more than 500 media mentions and reports.
What’s more, we have been in conversations with local government officials, caregivers, the public, clients, and even Premier Wynne. So why is it that the Red Cross still refuses to come to the table and present a fair and reasonable offer?
Not only does the Red Cross continue to ignore us, they have actually tried to accuse the Union of harassment. Yet, it is the Red Cross Care Partners who continue to bombard their employees with letters and phone calls, insisting that if the PSWs don’t express a willingness to work, then they will not be given any hours and preying on the emotional ties that their employees have to their clients. Who is really practicing bullying behaviour? The one who stands from morning to night in solidarity with the PSWs, boosting their confidence, listening to their heartache, bringing their voice to the general public? Or is it the one who, like a coward, sends letters and phone calls to their employees, as opposed to meeting face to face with them?
We know that it is difficult for our Sisters and Brothers to stand in the cold because we have been standing with you. We know that it is frustrating for you to be away from your clients. But it is even more unacceptable that the Red Cross remains silent throughout all of this. Keeping PSWs away from their clients is the REAL COST of the silence.
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