Karis Disability Services ratifies

Karis Disability Services ratifies in Sudbury to achieve significant wage increases and language improvements with new collective agreement.

The 85 HOPE Community Sector members working at Karis Disability Services in Sudbury ratified a new three-year agreement on April 29, 2025.

This deal secures wage increases in Year 1 – 5.35% for Direct Support Professional, and 4% for all other classifications retroactive to April 1, 2024. In years two and three there will be general wage increases of 2% and 1.5%.  The membership will also receive a signing bonus in the amount of: full-time – $900, part-time – $500, and casual – $250.

In benefit improvements this agreement achieves a new mental healthcare benefit of $800 per year. Reimbursement for drugs will be 80% for the first $10,000/family per calendar year or $5,000/single per calendar year and thereafter 100% coverage. The part-time Health Spending Account will increase from $750 to $1000 per year.

Language improvements include:

• Previous language for call-in procedures allowed the employer to assign shifts by “creative solutions.” This language resulted in numerous issues, allowing the employer to deny shifts to members. These “creative solutions” no longer form part of the contract; an important win for these members.
• If a worker is compelled to stay beyond their scheduled shift, they will receive a $4.00 per hour premium.
• Full-time vision care allowance will increase from $300 to $400 every two years.
• Mileage will increase from $0.47/km to $0.53/km when required to use personal vehicle for business use.
• If a member is notified of the death of an immediate family member while working, they will be paid for the balance of their shift. An employee may defer one bereavement day for a celebration of life and one day for a spring interment.
• New Labour Management Committee language which will assist with labour relations.  
• Language for Hours of work and Overtime improved.

Union negotiating committee: Tiffany Beauvais and Angela Dever. Union representatives: Derek Jokhu and Meemee Seto.

Read more Negotiation Updates from the Local 175 HOPE Sector! What’s HOPE? It stands for Health, Office & Professional Employees.

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