An arbitrator has ruled that long-term care operators in Ontario must sign service agreements with SEIU Healthcare’s digital staffing platform, WorkersFirst — a move the union says will reduce reliance on costly temporary agencies.
The decision requires facilities to use the WorkersFirst system for short-term staffing needs. According to SEIU Healthcare, agency markups have cost Ontario taxpayers about $1 billion annually.
Union hails decision as a turning point
“Being The Healthcare Union means we don’t just fight for workers, we build the tools they need to succeed and thrive,” said John Klein, secretary-treasurer of SEIU Healthcare. “We fought to win this ruling, we’re excited that operators are signing service agreements, and we encourage all of them to start benefiting from WorkersFirst right away.”
The union described the ruling as a “landmark arbitration victory” that supports its broader effort to improve working conditions and continuity of care in the long-term care sector.
WorkersFirst aims to connect staff directly to facilities
The WorkersFirst platform connects more than 5,000 verified healthcare workers with long-term care facilities, eliminating agency intermediaries. SEIU said the goal is to ensure consistent care by allowing residents to see familiar faces rather than rotating agency staff.
“We’re putting people before profit with WorkersFirst,” said Gissel Yanez, SEIU Healthcare’s director of strategic initiatives. “We’re behind this, the government’s behind this, now it’s time for the employers to start saving tax dollars with WorkersFirst.”
Government support signalled
Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, David Piccini, expressed support for the initiative.
“Governments, unions and employers are stronger when working together,” he said. “Our government is proud to support SEIU as they invest in Ontario’s skilled, world-class workers.”
SEIU Healthcare represents more than 70,000 frontline healthcare workers across Ontario.
