Kerry’s Place ratifies
November 7, 2024
Kerry’s Place ratifies first collective agreement with wage increases and language gains for newly unionized workers.
The new members at Kerry’s Place Autism Services in Pickering ratified their first collective agreement on October 29, 2024. Along with all of the rights and privileges now afforded to these unionized workers, wages will increase by one percent over the term of the agreement and lump sum payments will be paid to full-time workers in the amount of $500 and part-time workers will receive $250.
Additionally, a clause has been negotiated that will ensure that should higher wage rates be provided to another unionized bargaining unit within the Durham region for the same or substantially similar positions, the employer will adjust the wage rates in this agreement to match the higher rates, retroactive to April 1, 2024.
Members will retain the pension plan they were previously enrolled in with the employer.
Language improvements include:
- The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is recognized as a paid holiday.
- Bereavement was secured as follows:
- Three days’ leave for husband, wife, common-law spouse, spouse, parent, step-parent, child, step-child or sibling;
- Two days’ leave for a mother/father-in-law, grandchild;
- One day leave for a grandparent, sister/brother-in-law, step sister/brother-in- law.
- Part time employees will now have access bereavement leave days.
- FAFs are covered by the employer upon request.
- Medical notes will be covered up to $50.00 for the calendar year.
We have been successful in negotiating language that will allow the members to work extra hours in an equitable way with seniority as the governing factor, and these newly organized members are appreciative that they now have seniority recognition, and just cause protection.
Union negotiating committee: LaForna Mckie and Osalita Williams. Union representative: Sabrina Qadir.
Read more Negotiation Updates from the Local 175 HOPE Sector! What’s HOPE? It stands for Health, Office & Professional Employees.
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