Toronto – July 7, 2021 – Education workers at New Haven Learning Centre in Toronto are the newest members of UFCW Locals 175 & 633 after recently saying “Yes!” to joining the union. The new members work as Instructor Therapists who support children and adults with developmental disabilities. With their specialized skills, these therapists aid clients in their learning and social development.

The workers voted 90 percent in favour of joining the union in their landslide victory. They fought to unionize so that they could work collectively toward addressing respect and dignity at work, job security, seniority rights, higher and more transparent wages, hassle-free paid sick days, and other working conditions.

Many employees have been feeling burned out due to a high turnover rate among staff and inadequate work-life balance, including significant unpaid work. For example, employees often wait with a child whose parents are late for pick up, without compensation for that time. There is a notable amount of prep work needed for classes that is not accounted for in wages.

Most workers at this location are women and recent graduates. The issues they face reflect the gender inequality in jobs, like teaching and social services, which are traditionally seen as “women’s work.” This work tends to be underpaid, and women are more likely to find themselves in precarious working conditions.

By joining the union, these new members can use collective bargaining to make better gains going forward. To read more about the organizing victory at New Haven Learning Centre, click here.

UFCW Canada Locals 175 & 633 represent more than 70,000 hard-working Ontarians in almost every sector of the economy. To learn more about the outstanding work of UFCW 175 & 633, visit the Local Union's website.

How can I join the union?

Are you a non-unionized worker who would like to enjoy the benefits of a UFCW Canada union contract? Do you and your co-workers want to gain the union advantage at work? Join Canada’s best union, UFCW Canada, to make your workplace better today. Click here to join the union now.