IAM Spectrum

Over the last few days, a debate over mandatory vaccinations erupted following the federal
government’s announcement regarding mandatory vaccinations. The government’s lack of
direction and clarity has caused uncertainty and confusion, particularly, when it comes to
workplace implications. This is shameful, and the IAMAW sharply condemns the politicization of this issue. more

The Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI) recently released a comparative study of long-term care across 16 OECD countries, (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), with clear findings that Canada’s long-term care system fared worse than most. This study is yet another indicator of the magnitude of the crisis in long term care. Read more …

reposted from IAMAW.ca

The Ontario government’s announcement on wage subsidies for all frontline healthcare workers was welcome news to the IAM Union, which has been advocating for this long before the pandemic started.

The subsidy provides four dollars per hour worked on top of existing hourly wages, regardless of the qualified employee’s hourly wage. Further, employees working over 100 hours per month will receive lump-sum payments of $250 per month for each of the next four months. Therefore, eligible employees working an average of 40 hours per week will receive $3,560 in additional compensation. The payments apply to staff “working in long-term care homes, retirement homes, emergency shelters, supportive housing, social services congregate care settings, corrections institutions and youth justice facilities, as well as those providing home and community care and some staff in hospitals,” according to the announcement. Read more

Government Recognizes the Dedication and Sacrifice of Frontline Workers

April 25, 2020 1:00 P.M. Office of the Premier

TORONTO — In recognition of the dedication, long hours and increased risk of working to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, the Ontario government is providing frontline staff with a temporary pandemic payment.

This increase will provide four dollars per hour worked on top of existing hourly wages, regardless of the qualified employee’s hourly wage. In addition, employees working over 100 hours per month would receive lump sum payments of $250 per month for each of the next four months. This means that eligible employees working an average of 40 hours per week would receive $3,560 in additional compensation. Those eligible to receive the payment will be staff working in long-term care homes, retirement homes, emergency shelters, supportive housing, social services congregate care settings, corrections institutions and youth justice facilities, as well as those providing home and community care and some staff in hospitals. Read More