Skyrocketing gas prices are negatively affecting every Ontarian. But those who care for our most vulnerable citizens in their homes face a disheartening daily decision: fill up your gas tank to visit clients or afford to pay your bills.
Sadly, the personal support workers (PSWs) working in homecare are being negatively impacted more than most. The low mileage rates offered to them by their employers are making it increasingly difficult for them to make a living wage.
In an April 2022 survey conducted on homecare PSWs in the Durham Region:
96 percent of those polled felt they are not being adequately reimbursed for the mileage they clock travelling to and from their clients’ homes
75 percent of those considering leaving their current role or who are actively pursuing other work plan on leaving the homecare sector altogether
60 percent spend $75 to upward of $100 on gas each week travelling between clients’ homes
43 percent drive more than 100 kilometres each week in their duties as a PSW
Homecare PSWs are the lifeblood of the province, sometimes travelling upwards of 200 kilometres each day to care for our sick and elderly.
If you feel strongly about this issue, show your support by reaching out to your member of provincial parliment or the Minister of Health.
Order your FREE campaign stickers, car decals, buttons, and more. The more visibility we have, the greater the impact we can make.
ParaMed employees picket Extendicare head office, June 29, 2022 (PHOTOS)
Gas prices punishing personal support workers, hurting home-care | The Star
Skyrocketing gas prices mean Durham’s homecare patients are being left behind (clac.ca)
OPINION: Out-of-control gas prices are putting home care at risk (Toronto Sun)
Forced to Choose: Ontario Homecare Workers Struggling Amid Rising Gas Prices (clac.ca)
Letter to Extendicare re: Mileage Reimbursement Rates (clac.ca)
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