First agreement ratified at Waterloo Heights
September 17, 2026
The members at Waterloo Heights Senior Living have ratified their very first collective agreement as members of UFCW Local 175.
The Union Negotiating Committee spent nine days in bargaining with the employer, including four in conciliation to deal with an impasse over wages and master scheduling.
The resulting agreement includes protection for scheduling by seniority, as well as guaranteed hours for the housekeeping department. This, as well as securing solid wage improvements, were very important to these members in this first agreement.
Members will see wage increases of 2% in year one, paid retroactive for hours worked since August 26, 2025. And effective August 26, 2026, members will see an increase of 3.5%. In addition, this agreement introduces a new weekend shift premium which pays an additional $0.15 per hour.
The Union Negotiating Committee maintained the members’ current RRSP provisions, including employer-matching up to 4%. The Committee also maintained the members’ benefit levels at no additional cost to the membership. This includes life insurance of $50,000, dental coverage on the current Ontario Dental Association (ODA) schedule, vision care, and paramedical coverage as well. Plus, part-time employees who have completed the probationary period can participate in the benefit plan on a pro-rated basis.
Language provides for 10 paid holidays per year plus an additional float day. Paid sick leave entitlement accrues at 7.5 hours for every 162.5 hours worked to a maximum of 15 credits per year.
Our new members at Waterloo Heights can now benefit from all of the protections that come with a UFCW collective agreement, including having representation in cases of discipline, having an official grievance and arbitration procedure, and having a strong collective voice in the workplace.
Union Negotiating Committee: Ana Araujo, Jason Pinto, Susan Smart, and Union Representative Sacha Edey.
Read more news from the Health, Office & Professional Employee (HOPE) Sector of UFCW Local 175!
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