Hearing services workers across Ontario strike for higher pay

The ongoing strike involving roughly 200 workers across Ontario who provide support to individuals who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing has garnered attention for their fight to secure higher wages. The workers, which include counsellors, audiologists, and interpreters, have taken to picket lines outside Canadian Hearing Services buildings in an effort to make their voices heard.

Karly Green, a hearing care counsellor, expressed the sentiment of many workers when she stated, “We wanna be working right now. We don’t wanna be out here.” This strike, organized by CUPE 2073, marks the second time in eight years that these workers have had to take such drastic action. The previous strike lasted 10 weeks, a situation the union is eager to avoid repeating.

Mara Waern, president of CUPE 2073, emphasized the desire to reach a fair resolution quickly, stating, “We didn’t want this to break down and we didn’t want this to happen.” The union is advocating for a two-year contract that includes a two percent wage increase in the first year and a three percent increase in the following year.

In response to the strike, Canadian Hearing Services claimed to have proposed a one-year collective agreement with an overall compensation increase of 4.9 percent over the previous year. However, the union disputes this, clarifying that the 30.5 percent increase demanded over three years includes various proposals such as improved leave and pension benefits, not just wages.

One of the key concerns raised by the union is the discrepancy in wage growth between workers and senior management. While workers have seen their wages fall behind inflation by 16 percent, senior management has enjoyed double-digit percentage increases. Additionally, the union is worried about the declining staffing levels, which have impacted the quality and depth of services provided.

The strike has also affected the delivery of services to clients, with some hearing clinics closed and audiology services unavailable. Despite Canadian Hearing Services’ claims that services for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Windsor remain unaffected, the union asserts that there is a noticeable reduction in quality and availability of services.

As negotiations continue, the union remains steadfast in their commitment to securing fair wages and working conditions for their members. The next bargaining day is scheduled for May 6, with hopes of reaching a resolution that satisfies both the workers and the company.