NDP demands justice as hundreds of LTC workers left unpaid over holidays

NIAGARA FALLS - Official Opposition NDP Long Term Care Critic Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls riding) and Seniors Critic MPP Lise Vaugeois (Thunder Bay—Superior North) are blasting AgeCare, a private long-term care (LTC) company, for leaving hundreds of dedicated workers unpaid over the holidays.

"It's unacceptable that the many frontline healthcare staff, who pulled us through COVID, worked in incredibly difficult situations, and cared for our loved ones every day, are being paid partially or not at all,” said Gates. "It's no shock we are witnessing this from a private long-term care company, a model of care the Conservative government continues to boost even after their abysmal track record during COVID. The actions of AgeCare are disgraceful—they have an obligation to pay their employees. They need to get their act together and pay these employees immediately, ensuring all appropriate back pay is issued."

AgeCare, a private long-term care company, is under scrutiny as hundreds of frontline healthcare workers have not received their wages since December 8, causing significant worry during the holiday season. This not only jeopardizes the financial well-being of these dedicated workers, predominantly women but also raises alarming concerns about the quality of care for seniors residing in LTC homes.

"The crisis unfolding in these LTC homes is deeply troubling,” said Vaugeois. “AgeCare contracted out their payroll system to an offshore company to avoid paying Ontario wages, using public dollars meant for Ontario healthcare. How many of us can afford to go without a salary for even two weeks, let alone a month – and there is no end in sight? This situation puts workers' ability to keep a roof over their heads at risk and undermines the care of seniors in these homes. When profits come before the quality of care, the public and workers always lose.”

Marit Stiles’ Ontario NDP is calling on Ford’s Conservatives to:

1. Hold AgeCare to account: The Ford government must act immediately and hold AgeCare accountable for the current situation in numerous LTC homes across the province.
2. Ensure prompt payment: Employees must be paid on time according to the terms of their negotiated contracts and the law.
3. Remove the profit motive: Remove private profits from LTC. Generating wealth for the few based on people's basic need for health care undermines the principle of universal access to quality care.

Additional Quotes

Paula Randazzo, President HOPE Local 2220:

"The healthcare workers who were once held up as heroes aren't getting paid. Since December 8th, hundreds of HOPE Local 2220 members have not been paid properly or at all, leaving predominantly female workers without their total wages for over six weeks. How can the Ministry who funds LTC in the billions, allow this to continue?"