TORONTO, May 7, 2020 /CNW/ - Unifor mourns the loss of a Local 40 PSW member due to a preventable workplace exposure to COVID-19.
"I want to extend my deepest sympathies to his family, as well as his union sisters and brothers who are working for Access Independent Living Services," said, Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "Our member worked for more than thirty years providing care for those in need. He'll be truly be missed by his Unifor family and all those who knew him."
The member, who is not being named until all next of kin have been notified, worked at Access Apartments and was sent home on April 6th, 2020 due to a possible COVID-19 exposure. He was home self-isolating when his symptoms worsened and later tested positive for COVID-19.
"From the onslaught of the pandemic we have been demanding personal protective equipment from employers and governments. This tragedy could have been avoided if he only he had access to proper personal protective equipment. Our COVID Heroes deserve better," said Dias.
Access Apartments has three locations which include supportive housing where Unifor provide care and support in their apartments. There is also an outreach program, where workers provide care in the community.
"I reached out to the family and have offered support during this difficult time," said David Amow, President, Unifor Local 40. "The government failed health care workers in supportive housing, delaying access to personal protective equipment. It shouldn't take a pandemic or the loss of our members life for governments to treat personal support workers with the respect they deserve."
Unifor is gravely concerned for the five other Local 40 members who have tested positive along with three clients at the facility. Unifor is monitoring the outbreak and will be connecting with members in the upcoming days to offer support.
Unifor represents 80 members at Access Independent Living Services. This is the first confirmed death of a Unifor member related to this pandemic.
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector and represents 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
Information about the union's response to the pandemic, as well as resources for members can be found at unifor.org/COVID19.
SOURCE Unifor
To arrange for interviews, in-person or via Skype or Facetime, please contact Unifor Communications Representative Hamid Osman at [email protected] or 647-448-2823 (cell).
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