The Province of Ontario has awarded $2 million to SEIU Healthcare’s WorkersFirst platform to enhance healthcare worker training and provide an alternative to temporary staffing agencies.
The funding comes through Ontario’s Skills Development Fund and will support the union’s technology platform, which is part of its healthcare training centre, according to SEIU Healthcare.
“WorkersFirst is a union-made platform that fills the gaps in the delivery of care while putting profits back in the pockets of healthcare workers. It’s our solution to temporary agencies that exploit workers and cost more but deliver less,” said Tyler Downey, president of SEIU Healthcare.
Government support
The Skills Development Fund investment aims to create new opportunities for continuous education and skill improvement for healthcare workers, while addressing staffing challenges in the healthcare sector.
“Governments, unions and employers are stronger when working together. That’s why our government is proud to support SEIU as they invest in Ontario’s skilled, world-class workers,” said David Piccini, minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development.
Piccini added that the funding will help ensure personal support workers, registered practical nurses and registered nurses receive training to build “a stronger, more resilient healthcare workforce.”
Alternative to agencies
The platform positions itself as a solution to what SEIU describes as “costly agencies” in healthcare staffing.
“This investment accelerates the use of our technology platform with enhanced staffing solutions, delivering better prepared workers in the workplace and a higher quality of care for patients across the province,” said Anish Makim, co-founder of WorkersFirst Technologies.
The union says it is committed to creating opportunities for healthcare workers to “reclaim the quality and dignity of work” through this initiative.
Worker benefits
For frontline workers, the platform offers practical advantages, according to testimonials provided by SEIU Healthcare.
“WorkersFirst has given me access to more shifts, put money in my pockets and provided me with great benefits. A platform that is truly for workers by workers,” said Zenebework Geribo, a personal support worker using the platform.
The funding is expected to help expand the platform’s capabilities and reach within Ontario’s healthcare system.
