Union reiterates demand for stronger measures to protect personal support workers (PSWs) and all healthcare heroes who work to keep us safe and secure
RICHMOND HILL, ON, April 29, 2020 /CNW/ - SEIU Healthcare, the union that represents over 60,000 frontline healthcare workers in Ontario, mourns the loss of our second member as a result of COVID-19 and extend our deepest sympathies to her family, as well as her union sisters and brothers who delivered homecare services at Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) in Peel Region.
SEIU Healthcare has reached out to the member's family to offer whatever support is needed at this difficult time.
STATEMENT FROM SEIU HEALTHCARE PRESIDENT, SHARLEEN STEWART:
The tragic death of our union sister is the second loss of a personal support worker (PSW) in as many weeks as a result of ongoing failures to protect healthcare workers during COVID-19.
Like many healthcare workers precariously employed, she was a dedicated PSW who served her community through multiple employers and facilities in the Peel Region.
Our union has spoken to the family to offer whatever support is needed as they grieve the sudden loss of precious life. She will be missed and remembered.
From day one of this emergency, health and safety protections, PPE protocols, and government directives have insufficiently protected PSWs from ongoing threats, whether they work in homecare, long-term care, or hospitals.
While requests for urgent discussions with Chief Medical Officer Williams have gone ignored, we will continue to demand greater protections for PSWs and all our healthcare heroes who work to keep the rest of us safe and secure.
SEIU Healthcare represents more than 60,000 healthcare and community service workers across Ontario. The union's members work in hospitals, homecare, nursing and retirement homes, and community services throughout the province. www.seiuhealthcare.ca
SOURCE SEIU Healthcare
For media inquiries, contact: Corey Johnson, SEIU Healthcare, Head of Strategic Communication, 416-529-8909, [email protected]
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