Rexdale LTC home workers protest a ‘toxic’ workplace

Dozens of people gathered outside a Rexdale care home on Monday to protest what they called a toxic work environment, chronic mismanagement, severe staff shortages and increasing workloads.

“When we speak up for our rights, we face relationships, racism and harassment,” says Palma Clarke, a Personal Support Worker (PSW) at Kipling Acres.

Clark says the problems at the city-run long-term nursing home started about five years ago, alleging an employee made a racist comment to her while at work.

“Being someone who speaks up, I went to the managers, complained about it and wrote down what happened, and all they did was, well, we don’t believe you.”

Another manager believed Clark’s allegations, but at the time PSW said the complaint made her a target. She further claims that supervisors have monitored her daily as she cares for the residents of Kipling Acres.

“I started having panic attacks. I have anxiety when I sleep. I think about what’s next,” Clark said.

CUPE Local 79, which represents workers at the long-term care home, is supporting Clark. Representatives say she is not the only PSW who has raised similar concerns. The union is urging the city to take action against managers accused of harassment, adding that more than 30 unstaffed positions at Kipling Acres need to be filled.

“There are simply not enough employees and members to provide the quality care residents deserve,” said Florence Mwangi, a PSW and Unit Officer at CUPE Local 79.

A local Kipling Acres manager declined to comment when pressed by CityNews.

Nas Yadollahi, president of CUPE Local 79, believes the city must address these serious allegations of workplace problems.

“The thing to remember is that these people are looking after some of the most vulnerable people. The people they care for are our loved ones,” Yadollahi said. “If they are not given an environment where they can provide that care in a meaningful way, then I would say the city is failing.”

A spokesperson for the City of Toronto says it takes all concerns from Kipling Acres employees seriously, but would not comment on what changes, if any, might be made.

“In recent years, the city has created space to actively engage long-term care workers in all of its homes,” the statement said. “This continued commitment has made meaningful improvements for staff, as well as for the more than 2,600 people living in city-operated long-term care facilities.”

CUPE Local 79 said the city has launched an independent third-party investigation but is not disclosing the results to the union. A city representative would not confirm these details to CityNews.