Heritage River ratifies wages increases, additional paid sick days and language gains with new collective agreement.

The healthcare workers at Heritage River Retirement Residence in Elora unanimously ratified a two-year agreement on January 2, 2025. Wages for the members will increase 3.5% in each year, across all classifications. Additionally, the last tier of the wage grid will be eliminated allowing workers to reach top rate 1800 hours earlier. There will also be the introduction of an evening shift premium of 20 cents per hour.

In benefit improvements the part time in-lieu of benefit payment will increase from $.35 to $.50 per hour, and language will be added to allow earlier entry into the RRSP plan.                                                                                                                                                                       

Language improvements include:

• Increase of three sick days per year for a total of eight.
• The cost of doctor’s notes to be covered by the employer.
• Increase in bereavement pay to 5 days for family.
• Clarifying language on bereavement, and members do not need to attend funeral to qualify.
• New language will be added to bereavement for holding a day in abeyance for interment.
• Overtime will be paid after 80 hours, down from 88.
• Increase in the shoe allowance.
• The length of time to use lieu time for stat holidays will be increased.

Union negotiating committee: Meeka Barnes and Bonnie Boire. Union representative: Todd Janes.

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

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