By Dimitrije Martinovic

Dimitrije is community journalist with FOCIS MEDIA ARTS CENTRE

Since Mar 19, 2024, there has been a major conflict brewing at one of Regent Park's significant community organizations, and the corner of Parliament and Dundas St East has been the site of intense picketing by members of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 5115.

Worker from the Regent Park Community Health Centre (RPCHC) and their supporters have held daily pickets in front of the health centre, with chants like “2% is for milk, we are worth 4%, and much more, “ “All of us or none of us,” “One day longer, one day stronger,” “If none of us, not any of us,” and “We are not leaving anyone behind.” Their demonstrations brought home the stark reality of income inequity that is so prevalent within many public sectors jobs – upper management positions are listed on Ontarios's sunshine list (those who have salaries surpassing $100,000.00 per year). 10 upper managers at the Health Centre make over $100, 000 annually, and 5 of those make over $200,000 with the ED making nearly $300,000.

After months of negotiations, the workers at the Regent Park Community Health Centre (RPCHC) and management seemed unable to reach any agreement. "With wages that don't keep up with the cost of living, benefits that have been frozen for 30 years and a work environment made toxic by management, the result is anxiety and burnout among staff and barriers to program delivery. It's the clients and workers who suffer." said OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick. (https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/regent-park-community-health-care-workers-on-strike-for-a-fair-deal-and-quality-care-847877239.html)

The Regent Park Community Health Centre (RPCHC) plays a crucial role in providing essential healthcare services to the Regent Park community. Since its establishment, RPCHC has been dedicated to addressing the diverse health needs of the community it serves. Through a range of programs and initiatives, RPCHC strives to promote health equity, accessibility, and empowerment among its residents.

At the rally held on Thursday April 4, 2024, Kirsty Millwood, RPCHC Worker, and OPSEU/SEFPO Local 5115 President, announced that the night before RPCHC workers and management had finally reached a tentative agreement.