Joyce Lusunike

Today marks the first day of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Especially during a pandemic, where mental and physical abuse has increased against women, girls, LGBTQ2+, and gender diverse individuals. It’s also harder for these individuals to access the organizations and services they need.

SEIU Healthcare stands with all unions that represent paramedics in support of the recommendation of the EMS Section 21 subcommittee to establish itself as a separate, stand-alone committee.

Ontario government must rethink and reset COVID-19 plans and allow union partners to join the pandemic response table

I’m writing to urge you to act more boldly in the face of the growing risks Ontario’s hospital workers are facing on the frontlines of a dangerous, global pandemic. Simply put, this is no time for complacency. Case loads are on the rise. Hospitals are filling up. Our system requires urgent attention, now.

We are excited to announce, that for the first time ever, you can join your fellow SEIU Healthcare nurses across the province virtually in our Nursing Division’s Educational Webinar Series throughout November and December of 2020.

Today our elected officials at the legislative assembly did the right thing by moving forward Bill 13, The Time to Care Act. We especially thank MPP Teresa Armstrong for her commitment to these efforts. But make no mistake, this vote is an acknowledgement that the conditions as they exist today are systematically failing the people who work and live in…

SEIU Healthcare organized a rally at Southlake Regional Hospital in Newmarket and invited the Ontario Nurses Association (ONA) and the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) to express our solidarity on this matter. Our message was loud and clear; we need to put a stop to workplace violence.

SEIU Healthcare is demanding immediate action by Southlake Regional Hospital, including a meeting with key stakeholders, after a registered practical nurse (RPN) was attacked Thursday evening by a patient, just six days after another nurse suffered severe workplace injuries.

On Tuesday, October 6, SEIU Healthcare organized a rally outside of Michael Garron Hospital to stand in solidarity against racism. Over the past several months, there have been several hateful appalling acts of discrimination at the hospital’s construction site.

Three major Ontario healthcare unions have endorsed the recommended expansion of the scope of practice for Registered Practical Nurses. There are approximately 60,000 Registered Practical Nurses in Ontario.

Today the Chief Medical Officer of Health issued Directive #5, which provides clear guidance that N-95 or superior protection masks, face shields and other equipment are to be provided to health care staff working on the front line in long-term care facilities or hospitals dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks, among other improvements.

After months of pressure, the Ontario Government finally started listening to the demands from our union. We’ve been calling for permanent wage increases for ALL healthcare heroes, full-time jobs with benefits like paid sick days and strong pensions, increased staffing levels so our most vulnerable get the care they need, and safe workplaces with accessible PPE.