Dynacare members ratify first renewal agreement

The membership at Dynacare Gamma Laboratory locations in Hamilton, Kitchener, Niagara Falls, and Burlington, have achieved their first renewal collective agreement.

The ratified agreement, which included the parties meeting in conciliation to address an impasse, includes important wage gains and language improvements.

Wages for the members at Dynacare will increase by 3% in each of the three years in the agreement term. The first increase will be paid retroactive for hours worked since January 1, 2026. Members will see a signing bonus of $1,500 for full-time with 20 years or more of service, $1,000 for full-time with less than 20 years of service, and $375 for part-time.

The Union Negotiating Committee achieved significant language improvements that were important for the members at Dynacare:

• Bereavement entitlement for part-time employees is now the same as full-time entitlement.
• Any unused vacation can be carried over for future use.
• The sunset clause has been reduced to 12 months instead of the previous 18 months.
• Any member filing a complaint about harassment or violence in the workplace may have a Union Steward present during any intake and investigative meetings.

In addition, the Health & Safety Committee will now include three bargaining unit members, up from two.

The employer will cover up to three days of the Negotiating Committee’s lost time for bargaining at 100%, and will cover 50% thereafter. The employer will also pay 50% toward the cost of printing agreements for the members, and will contribute $500 toward the UFCW Local 175 Training & Education Fund.

Union Negotiating Committee: Gita Ahmadi, Sherri Edge, Christine Lampman, and Union Representatives Kasiobi Nwankudu and Meemee Seto, and Executive Assistant to the President Angela Mattioli.

Catch up on all the negotiation highlights from across the province here.

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