Education Workers to Fill Staffing Shortages at Hospitals and Long Term Care Homes

Wednesday, 13 May 2020 at 15:32

The Ontario Government is working with the education sector to voluntarily place available employees in staffing roles needed at congregate care settings during the COVID-19 outbreak.

ONTARIO - The Ontario Government is working with the education sector to voluntarily place available employees in staffing roles needed at congregate care settings during the COVID-19 outbreak.

This initiative is part of the government's ongoing efforts to redeploy broader public sector workers to areas where they are needed most, such as hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement homes, women's shelters, and homes serving those with developmental disabilities.

Premier Doug Ford says the teamwork on this project has been phenomenal.

"It is inspiring to see our school boards, trustees, and labour leaders come together and provide education workers with the opportunity to support our frontline workers and take care of our most vulnerable. Whether it's cooking or cleaning, or supporting mental wellness, this voluntary initiative will enable our education workers to go where they're needed most during this crisis and make a difference in people's lives and in their communities."

A framework was developed and endorsed by the Ontario government, trustees' associations, and almost all of the provincial union representatives that will allow the temporary voluntary redeployment of education sector employees, while ensuring they maintain their employment status with their school boards.

Starting later this week, subject to a local agreement of the framework, eligible education sector staff who volunteer will be able to register through an online portal and to be matched with congregate settings that are facing staffing shortages. Positions available may include custodial, maintenance, food preparation, children and youth service workers, social workers, and educational assistants. Training and appropriate safety equipment will be provided to redeployed staff. Volunteers who are redeployed will be eligible for Ontario's temporary pandemic premium and emergency child care.

You can find more information online here.