WINNIPEG — A recent survey of over 5,000 health-care support workers in Manitoba reveals significant financial hardships, with some relying on food banks and others facing housing insecurity.
The survey, conducted among workers in the WRHA, Shared Health, Southern Health-Santé Sud, and Northern Regional Health Authority, found nearly 30 percent hold multiple jobs to make ends meet.
“The reality for frontline health care support workers is that there is very little financial security in these jobs right now,” said Margaret Schroeder, president of CUPE 204, representing support workers in the WRHA and Shared Health, and a health care worker herself.
“Health-care support workers have worked through some extremely challenging times, and the economic situation for us continues to be dire.”
Nearly half of the workers are primary breadwinners, with 37% depleting their savings, according to CUPE.
The survey also highlights the sacrifices workers are making, with 59% cutting back on household spending, 52% cutting back on groceries, and 49% cutting back on family activities.
As 25,000 workers prepare to strike on October 8, CUPE is urging the government to address wage concerns and prevent further workforce shortages.
CUPE Research Report Voices From the Front Line by ChrisDca on Scribd
