Hospital workers are speaking out against Bill 195.
It allows the province to extend emergency orders around the COVID-19 pandemic indefinitely.
Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 4807 president Corinne Webb says it’s also giving the government power over their bargaining rights.
“Premier Ford lauded health care workers as Heroes during the COVID-10 pandemic. But now, even though they’re saying things are better and the pandemic is on the downturn, he still wants to be able to suspend collective bargaining right for workers,” says Webb.
Webb says that includes employers being able to cancel or deny vacations or leaves of absence, change workers’ hours or move workers to other positions.
“We’re hoping and asking the public’s support to pressure the government with us to have those rights restored. If not, we will be pushing forward, as CUPE and the Ontario Council of Hospitals Unions does with further political action.”
Local hospital workers rallied Friday as part of a province-wide protest.
The union also has a letter-writing campaign through its website.
