CUPE Local 79

After the Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital bargaining team walked away from negotiations — fully aware that Ontario’s Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act (HLDAA) strips hospital workers of the right to strike and forces disputes into arbitration — and after the Sinai Health Board refused to meet directly with frontline staff, CUPE Local 79 members rallied to demand respect and ensure their voices were heard.

Members are fighting for fair wages that support recruitment and retention, meaningful improvements to staffing levels, protections against escalating workloads, and basic respect in the workplace. Workers have raised serious concerns about chronic understaffing, low wages — with 20% of service workers earning below a living wage — and unfair practices, including nearly $1 million a year in unpaid nursing labour tied to end-of-shift transition-of-care work.

Community allies stood shoulder to shoulder with workers, reinforcing that these issues affect both working conditions and patient care.

Speakers at the rally included:
• Nas Yadollahi, President, CUPE Local 79
• Mesey Jones, Administrative Clerk, 3 North; Service Unit Bargaining Team
• Sharon Richer, Secretary-Treasurer, Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU)
• Shannon Berseth, Secretary-Treasurer, CUPE Local 79 (speaking as a former patient)
• Fred Parmanand, Registered Nurse, 10 North; Nurses & Paramedical Bargaining Team