Hundreds of essential workers employed by community and senior housing organizations in Toronto have overwhelmingly decided to go on strike, pointing to issues with insufficient staffing levels and workplace violence.
The labor union representing these workers, CUPE Local 79, disclosed on Friday that they have requested a “no-board” report from the Ontario Minister of Labour, which would initiate a 17-day countdown to either a strike or a local deadline.
In a statement, union president Nas Yadollahi emphasized the negative impact of violence and understaffing on workers, tenants, and seniors alike. Recent voting results showed that 98% of Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) employees and 94% of Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation (TSHC) employees supported a strike.
According to the union, workers have continuously raised concerns about unsafe working conditions, including offices with inadequate security measures, malfunctioning security cameras, faulty panic buttons, insufficient emergency response procedures, escalating incidents of assaults, threats, harassment, and heavy workloads.
The previous collective bargaining agreement between TCHC and CUPE Local 79 expired on December 31, 2024. A spokesperson for the union revealed that TSHC was established on June 1, 2022, assuming responsibility for managing 83 buildings designated for seniors that were previously under TCHC’s purview. Hence, negotiations with TSHC mark the first collective agreement discussions between the union and TSHC.
TCHC caters to approximately one in 50 residents of Toronto, overseeing over 58,000 units in 2,100 buildings with around 105,000 tenants. On the other hand, TSHC manages 83 buildings designated for seniors, accommodating over 15,000 older adults across the city.
Both TSHC and TCHC expressed their commitment to reaching a resolution with the workers during discussions with CBC Toronto. TCHC spokesperson Kimberly Moser stated that negotiations began in early September, emphasizing the corporation’s willingness to continue negotiations until an agreement is reached. Moser underlined the importance of understanding and addressing the daily challenges faced by staff in supporting tenants.
Concurrently, TSHC spokesperson Rebecca Ihilchik assured that TSHC is actively listening and taking steps to address concerns. She expressed confidence in achieving a fair and respectful agreement through ongoing collaboration with union partners.
Jennifer Mitchell, an early resolution officer assisting tenants facing eviction, shared her support for the strike mandate, citing feelings of insecurity while performing her duties. Mitchell recounted a distressing incident involving a colleague who was allegedly attacked by a tenant facing eviction, emphasizing the need for adequate health benefits to aid recovery and return to work.
Abubakarr Kamara, a tenant services coordinator at TCHC, highlighted the prevalence of workplace violence and the necessity for concrete actions to address such issues. Kamara recounted a frightening incident where his office window was shattered by a thrown rock, underscoring the importance of prioritizing employee health and safety.
Both TCHC and TSHC reiterated their commitment to ensuring the well-being of their staff and reaching a mutually beneficial agreement with the workers.