Workers at OATC London join UFCW Local 175 to gain a stronger voice in the workplace

UFCW Locals 175 & 633 has been on the forefront of representing healthcare workers for many years. On July 2 & 3, 2024, workers at the Ontario Addiction Treatment Centre (OATC) in London, Ontario, voted overwhelmingly in favour of joining UFCW Local 175.

The workers at OATC London contacted our Union because UFCW Local 175 already represents workers at many OATC units across Ontario.

Workers at the London branch took the step to contact our Organizing Team when they began facing a number of issues, including: job insecurity, mistreatment, scheduling issues, and favoritism by management. They finally had enough, and wanting to make their workplace better, found encouragement through workers at other OATC units that were already unionized with Local 175.

Chances are you have an OATC in or near your community. There are locations throughout Ontario, and at many of them you’ll find dedicated members of UFCW Local 175 working hard every day to help those struggling with addiction.

In fact, every day, more than 180 members of Local 175 at OATC interact with patients from every walk of life. They are busy and on their feet most of the time checking doses, getting samples, working with doctors, doing intake, and much more. And all of this is to help patients stay on track with their recovery.

Caring for patients in the midst of addiction recovery is a job that requires compassion and understanding. The members of Local 175 at OATC work diligently and with care to provide a great level of service to their patients. They are helping to change people’s lives and end the stigma of addiction.

“These members have seen the difference that joining a Union can make and they decided they wanted better for themselves and their co-workers. We encourage all workers to speak up and make your voice heard by joining the Union,” said President Tosato.

Congratulation to our newest members!

If you or someone you know has an addiction, you can contact Ontario’s Drug & Alcohol Helpline at 1-800-565-8603 or visit 211 Ontario. You can also reach out to an OATC centre in your community as well.

Remember, the Union also provides a confidential referral service through Labour Community Services that can help put you in touch with services in your community as well. Contact Sharon Clarke at 416.445.5819 ext. 25.