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Welcome to Your Union
Autism care workers in Pickering vote YES to join the Union
On September 18, 2023, UFCW Locals 175 & 633 welcomed our newest members from Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Pickering, Ontario.
Workers at Kerry’s Place sought out our Union to increase their job security, enhance their wages and benefits, improve working conditions, and increase health and safety and respect in the workplace. These 15 workers are employed as Autism Support Associates and Assistants and are faced with numerous challenges every day.
Workers who care for people should have someone looking out for them as well. According to the Canadian Medical Association Journal, approximately 1 - 2% of the Canadian population is on the autism spectrum which means there are approximately 135,000 autistic people in Ontario.1
“Workers in this field are some of the most compassionate and hard-working people around,” said President Haggerty. “The challenges they face are unique and they deserve to have a Union to stand behind them in the fight for their rights as they serve their clients and communities.”
1 Autism spectrum disorder: Advances in evidence-based practice. Autism Ontario. (2014). https:// www.autismontario.com/sites/default/files/2019-03/ASD%20Review%2Bof%2BEvidence%2BBased%2BPractice.pdf
Hospitality workers in Welland face challenging organizing drive but come out victorious
On August 28 – 29, 2023, workers at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Welland voted in favour of joining Canada’s largest local Union, UFCW Local 175. “This victory is a huge win for workers in the hospitality industry,” said President Haggerty.
Prior to the vote, workers were nervous but excited, and after a month-long campaign were pleased with the results. The workers, along with the support of the Local 175 Organizing Team, gained bargaining rights through certification, and the right to fight for better wages, benefits, respect, and eliminating favouritism in the workplace. They look forward to starting the negotiation process.
“Workers in hospitality have faced the deep impact of the last few years throughout their industry. While it has been a difficult time for many, we are seeing an upswing in workers advocating for themselves and their co-workers,” said President Haggerty. “Workers want respect and dignity at work, and we look forward to supporting them in the goal to build a better life by joining the Union.”
