The Independent Workers’ Union strongly condemns Northside Home Care Services for suspending Sonya Borwick, who is both a member of our union and an elected union representative (known as a shop steward).

The company invited Sonya to a meeting but gave only a vague reason saying they wanted to “raise concerns.” with her.

When Sonya asked for more details, the company refused to provide them.

This morning Sonya attended the meeting and the company ambushed Sonya with a list of pre-prepared allegations and complaints against her and was suspended on the spot.

Most of those complaints centered on two things:

1. A voluntary petition: Sonya had helped circulate a petition among clients who receive home care. The petition was voluntary and asked clients to lend support to the strike by leaving a signature.

2. A dispute involving a former union member: A former union member falsely accused Sonya of being responsible for being confronted by coworkers. Those coworkers had reportedly challenged the former member for leaving the union and for repeatedly crossing a picket line (i.e., working during a lawful strike).

The union believes the company is trying to make an example of Sonya, and we will continue to support her and all our members throughout this process.

We also note that Northside Home Care Services has hired expensive legal and human resources representatives to handle these complaints. In our view, that money would have been much better spent giving healthcare assistants the pay parity they have been demanding.

These tactics from management are not new, who have through the course of the industrial action, refused to engage with our members in a meaningful way and have made intimidating remarks along the way. 

Our union, and homecare staff, remain resolute, intimidation tactics and suppression will not stop our task of achieving pay parity for Northside Homecare Services Staff!