Strike update: PSWs rally, ask Ontario Government for support as Red Cross remains silent

RICHMOND HILL, ON, Dec. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - Mindful of the season, the frigid conditions, and the PSWs' desire to get back to work, SEIU Healthcare president Sharleen Stewart says: "It is time to settle this strike so that the PSWs can return to their beloved clients during this important time of year for families and close ones."

"We hope Red Cross is willing to compromise to improve the working conditions of these hard-working and desperately needed homecare workers. "

Hundreds of PSWs will rally today at three Ontario Ministers' constituency offices in hopes that the government will help resolve the homecare strike that started December 11.

Red Cross has remained silent on returning to the bargaining table since 4,500 workers went on strike.

What: PSWs rally to ask Ontario Government for help resolving homecare strike

When: Wednesday, December 18 at 12 noon

Where:

1. Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Constituency Office, 242 Piccadilly Street, London

2. Yasir Naqvi, Labour Minister Constituecy Office, 109 Catherine Street, Ottawa

3. Charles Sousa, Finance Minister Constituency Office, 120 Lakeshore Road W., Mississauga

Hundreds of messages to MPPs have been sent from PSWs, clients, and supporters since the strike began. "Personal support workers take care of our elderly and vulnerable. Why aren't we taking take of personal support workers?" asked Stewart.

www.justice4psws.ca
www.j4pswsblog.wordpress.com (photos, stories from the picket lines)
@J4PSWs
@SEIUHealthCan

About SEIU Healthcare

SEIU Healthcare represents more than 55,000 healthcare and community service workers across Ontario. The union's members work in hospitals, home care, nursing and retirement homes, and community services throughout the province. SEIU Healthcare has a strong track record of improving wages, benefits and working conditions for healthcare workers, supporting the training and development needs of its members, and strengthening standards in the management and delivery of patient and client care. www.seiuhealthcare.ca

SOURCE: SEIU Healthcare

For further information:

Gilleen Witkowski 
SEIU Healthcare 
416-805-0305 
g.witkowski@seiuhealthcare.ca