By Fred Alvarado Fred is a community journalist with FOCUS MEDIA ARTS CENTRE

As of March 22, 2024, workers at the Regent Park Community Health Centre have gone on strike due to inadequate compensation and poor working conditions after their employer refused to offer workers a fair deal, as they see it. Employees argue that these circumstances have resulted in increased anxiety and burnout among staff, as well as challenges in program delivery.

These Community Health workers – members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 5115 – provide critical services and programs for people in the Regent Park and surrounding communities including life-saving overdose prevention programs, harm reduction services, low barrier support for addictions and homelessness, primary health care, diabetes education and nutrition services, supports for children, youth, and families, and much more – all under one roof.  Local 5115 is part of the OPSEU/SEFPO Community Health Care Professionals Sector, representing more than 4000 community health care professionals across Ontario.

Despite months of negotiations, talks broke down when the employer failed to prioritize the well-being of both clients and workers ahead of the strike deadline. Now, after almost two weeks on strike, the workers have been forced out on the street in their fight for improved wages and a healthy work environment.

Additionally, MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam has shown support for the striking workers. She was seen at the picket line on the first day of the strike, expressing solidarity with the RPCHC workers. Wong-Tam also publicly voiced support in the Ontario Legislature for the 2024 Ontario’s budget, emphasizing the importance of adequately funding community health centers like the RPCHC.

Meanwhile, the Regent Park Community Health Centre has published a message on their website regarding the strike. The majority of their staff are currently on strike after negotiations with OPSEU Local 5115 failed to reach an agreement. They deeply regret any inconvenience and anxiety this may cause for clients and the community. Priority is being given to clients with the most pressing medical needs, and efforts are underway to reschedule appointments. Until further notice, all non-medical appointments and programs are cancelled, and access to services at the facility is restricted to confirmed appointments. The Centre remains ready to continue discussions with the union's bargaining team in hopes of reaching a fair agreement that allows them to continue serving the community.

A news conference and rally have been scheduled for April 4 at 9 AM at 465 Dundas St E (Dundas & Parliament). This event aims to garner support from Region 5 members, labour groups, and community allies to amplify the workers' voices and call for an end to the strike.