Support for our sister
Donation protected
There has been an overwhelming response to today's post regarding our sister who has had her benefits cut off by our employer just days after being diagnosed with cancer. Our sister is incredibly grateful for all of the love and support she has received through the sharing of her story. This go fund me page has been set up at the request of many members, to help her with any and all medical costs related to her fight of this awful illness. Our friend wishes to remain nameless at this time and if and when she is ready will share her own story. Thank you all for your understanding and ongoing support.
Here, in her own words, is the story of a CUPE 4914 member who cannot join us on the picket line in our fight as she is busy with the fight of and for her life. Peel CAS has denied her access to her health and sick leave benefits, and so she worries about what might happen and at what cost, at a time when all she should have to focus on is beating cancer and living to watch her daughter grow up.
To our friend, our sister and our colleague, know that we are thinking of you and hoping for only the very BEST outcomes for you. Stay strong.
“I am 36 years old, I am a mother of a 2 year old daughter and a wife to an incredible husband.
On September 12th I found out I have cancer and require a combination of chemo radiation treatment daily for 5 weeks followed by 2-4 internal treatments. On September 19th Peel CAS cut off my sick pay and benefits due to the labour disruption. Despite my efforts to have Great West Life, my supervisor, the union and myself advocate for my benefits to be active, the Agency "chose" to cut me off. I would like to point out that the Canadian government recognizes cancer as a serious illness and despite that, Peel CAS chooses to cut off my benefits.
This is very telling to what our Agency really represents; despite our work being about supporting families through hardships the big picture is about a profitable business. The Agency isn't about solving problems because there is no business without a problem to solve. All of the hard working people who are on strike are the ones who make a difference in the lives of the people who we work for.
I have worked for the Agency since December 2003. It is beyond insulting to know people are being paid $80+ /hr and $100+ day in expenses while I'm fighting for my life every day without the benefits that I contribute to!
What an extraordinary example of oppression; people who make 2-3 times the average salary sticking it to the person with cancer to make a point that you "choose" not to make exceptions for those in need, and yet you’re ordering your lunch to be delivered daily.”
Here, in her own words, is the story of a CUPE 4914 member who cannot join us on the picket line in our fight as she is busy with the fight of and for her life. Peel CAS has denied her access to her health and sick leave benefits, and so she worries about what might happen and at what cost, at a time when all she should have to focus on is beating cancer and living to watch her daughter grow up.
To our friend, our sister and our colleague, know that we are thinking of you and hoping for only the very BEST outcomes for you. Stay strong.
“I am 36 years old, I am a mother of a 2 year old daughter and a wife to an incredible husband.
On September 12th I found out I have cancer and require a combination of chemo radiation treatment daily for 5 weeks followed by 2-4 internal treatments. On September 19th Peel CAS cut off my sick pay and benefits due to the labour disruption. Despite my efforts to have Great West Life, my supervisor, the union and myself advocate for my benefits to be active, the Agency "chose" to cut me off. I would like to point out that the Canadian government recognizes cancer as a serious illness and despite that, Peel CAS chooses to cut off my benefits.
This is very telling to what our Agency really represents; despite our work being about supporting families through hardships the big picture is about a profitable business. The Agency isn't about solving problems because there is no business without a problem to solve. All of the hard working people who are on strike are the ones who make a difference in the lives of the people who we work for.
I have worked for the Agency since December 2003. It is beyond insulting to know people are being paid $80+ /hr and $100+ day in expenses while I'm fighting for my life every day without the benefits that I contribute to!
What an extraordinary example of oppression; people who make 2-3 times the average salary sticking it to the person with cancer to make a point that you "choose" not to make exceptions for those in need, and yet you’re ordering your lunch to be delivered daily.”
Organizer
Amanda Stewart
Organizer
Brampton, ON