Web banner. OCHU study - Sacrificed: major study of health care workers during the time of COVID. Image of a male and a female health care worker wearing scrubs and a face mask.

Academic study finds Ontario health care staff worked under psychological distress in pandemic, feeling “sacrificed” and violated

On November 24, 2020, a study entitled “Sacrificed: major study of health care workers during the time of COVID” was released by the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions-Canadian Union of Public Employees (OCHU-CUPE). The study was published in New Solutions: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy. The research was done in collaboration with OCHU-CUPE, based on extensive interviews with 10 health care workers. The study interviews were supplemented by a poll conducted by OCHU-CUPE involving 3,000 members about their concerns regarding personal protection. About 91 per cent of those polled said they felt the government had abandoned them. Download a copy of the study at: https://ochu.on.ca/2020/11/24/sacrificed-major-study-of-health-care-workers-during-the-time-of-covid  Healthcare workers (HCWs) in Ontario, Canada have faced unprecedented risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have been infected at an elevated rate compared to the general public. HCWs have argued for better protections with minimal success. A worldwide shortage of N95s and … Read more…

Empty classroom and school desks

Clear and timely direction needed by Nova Scotia’s school support staff in event of outbreaks

Halifax – CUPE Nova Scotia members are calling on the Minister of Education and the regional centres of education/school boards to work with them to improve communications between workers and their employers, reducing stress and ensuring support staff are able to do their jobs effectively and safely in the event of a school outbreak. “CUPE education members are patiently waiting on instructions from their employer and will be quite frustrated if job-specific information is not sent to them shortly, for ‘all’ job classifications,” says Lisa DeMolitor, chair of the Nova Scotia School Board Council of Unions (NSSBCU). The statement was made in response to the Province’s announcement made today to close two Halifax area schools for two weeks, where students tested positive for COVID-19, as well as other restrictions. “We support the decision made by the Province to close the Auburn Drive High School in Cole Harbour and the Graham … Read more…

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Call to participate in the development of a National Anti-Racism Strategy for CUPE

Please join us for a virtual session that is being hosted for Black, Indigenous, and racialized members in the Atlantic and Maritimes regions to participate in the development of a National Anti-Racism Strategy for CUPE. CUPE National’s Human Rights Branch and Union Education Branch are hosting these Zoom meetings in regions across the country. Download a copy of the poster for the Atlantic Region event History The National Committee on Anti-Racism, Discrimination and Employment Equity, also known as the National Rainbow Committee, drafted a resolution calling for CUPE to develop a National Anti-Racism Strategy. The resolution was unanimously adopted at the 2019 CUPE National Convention in October 2019. This Strategy is meant to build on and replace CUPE’s 1999 Anti- Racism Policy. Purpose It is important to hear from you as this Strategy is developed. You are invited to share your thoughts on CUPE’s ongoing and future anti-racism work which … Read more…