Congratulations to the newest members of UFCW Canada Local 175. Fifty health care providers working at the Rose of Sharon Korean Long Term Care Facility in Toronto became union members on September 9, 2011 following a successful certification vote.

One of Local 175’s Organizers led the campaign to organize these workers whose employer had promised several things but had not made good on those promises. Workers were assured they would have benefits after three months, which they didn’t receive. Workers were told their wages would increase after three months, which didn’t happen. Some were being over worked, often made to work right through breaks, and some were not paid for overtime.

“Luckily, some of our organizing keys in the workplace had worked in unionized places before,” explains Rick Wauhkonen, Organizing Coordinator for the Local Union. “They knew the value of having a Union and they knew our Local has great experience dealing with health care employers.”

This nursing care facility is unique. The home, opened in March 2011, employs an all-Korean staff and the majority of the residents are Korean as well. The nursing home is not quite at capacity and should employ approximately 60 to 70 members when full.

This is the seventh victory for the Local 175 organizing team so far this year.