Toronto respite workers join CUPE

TORONTO, ON –/COMMUNITYWIRE/– Housing and respite workers at the St. Felix Centre in Toronto are the newest members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

Today the Ontario Labour Relations Board certified that the 155 workers are officially CUPE members, following a near-unanimous vote that ended January 12.

The St. Felix Centre provides supports and services to people experiencing marginal housing and homelessness, and operates three respite centres in downtown Toronto.

“Workers at St. Felix provide vital services for very vulnerable populations. They do important work for our communities, in situations that are particularly risky during the pandemic, without the support or recognition they deserve,” said Craig Saunders, a CUPE representative who is involved in the organizing drive. “We look forward to working together to negotiate a strong first collective agreement that addresses workplace issues, and supports these integral workers.”

CUPE is Canada’s largest union, with more than 700,000 members across the country working in municipalities, healthcare, social services, universities, schools, transportation, and communications.

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For more information, please contact:

Craig Saunders, CUPE Communications
416-576-7316
csaunders@cupe.ca