Oakville and Milton Humane Society ratifies wage increases and language improvements for animal care workers with new collective agreement.
Oakville & Milton Humane Society ratified a three-year agreement on November 13, 2024.
Wages for members will improve as follows:
- Year one general wage increases of 4.15 % retroactive to date of expiry.
- Year 2 and 3 increases of 2%.
- Seven job classifications with current wage rates between $18.03 and $18.54 will be increased to $20.00 retroactive to date of expiry, then they will receive the scheduled 2% in the second and third year.
- Registered Veterinary Technician will increase from $23.48 to $25.00, in addition to annual increases of 4.15% retroactive to date of expiry.
- Reclassify dog trainer to Canine Behavior & Enrichment Specialist and wages increase from $23.69 to $25.00, in addition to the annual increase of 4.15% retroactive to date of expiry,
Language improvements include:
- The employer will not request a doctor’s note unless absent for more than two consecutive days in a row.
- A Health Spending Account will be added for full-time workers in the amount of $250.00 annually and part time staff will receive $150.00 annually.
- The employer contribution to the Training and Education Fund will increase from $250.00 to $300.00 on January 1st of each year.
- The Joint Labour Management Committee will meet quarterly and will consist of 3 members including the Union steward and/or Union Representative, three members from management and must include the Manager of People and Culture.
Language was also added in regard to the care of animals: The Union and the Employer both agree that optimizing quality of care for animals continues to be top priority. This includes designations of appropriate time to provide cleaning, feeding, and other important care for animals in accordance with ASPCA. The Union and Employer acknowledge that there are some animals that require 15 minutes or more of time to provide cleaning and feeding.
Union negotiating committee: Emily Belsito, Sarah Bilenki, and Kayla Sheremeta. Union representative: Arlene Robertson.
Catch up on all the negotiation highlights from across the province here.
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