Revitalizing the Conditions of Care in Manitoba

Manitoba's long-term care and home care systems were some of the hardest hit sectors of healthcare when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in 2020. Over seven hundred residents of long-term care died of COVID-19 related illness while hundreds of clients who rely on home care experienced care cancellations. Through a survey of 1027 unionized workers in Manitoba's continuing care system (long-term care and home care) we investigate the conditions of work in the sector three years on from the outbreak of COVID-19. We find that the outsized burden placed on continuing care workers by the pandemic has not been lifted and, in many ways, has gotten heavier. Significant investments in the conditions of care work are still required to ensure Manitobans have access to the quality, safe care they depend on.