Victorian Order of Nurses in Elgin ratify strong across-the-board rate increases

UFCW Local 175 HOPE Sector members at the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) in Elgin County have ratified a new collective agreement following a round of bargaining where the parties met in conciliation over wage increases.

While the employer tried to offer only lump sums, it was very important to the members at VON Elgin County to have across-the-board rate increases. The Committee pushed the employer to adjust their approach to wages, and as a result, members will see improvements as follows:

• A retroactive lump sum payment of 3.5% for hours worked between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025;
• A retroactive lump sum payment of 1% for hours worked between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026, calculated at the March 31, 2025 rate.
• A 2.5% across-the-board increase effective April 1, 2025, calculated after the lump sum payment has been implemented.
• A 2.5% across-the-board increase effective April 1, 2026.
• Wage reopener language for April 1, 2027 where the employer agrees to meet a minimum of 30 days prior to the date to bargain new wage increases in good faith based on applicable trends for the Homecare Sector in 2027.

Personal Support Workers (PSWs) receive a special wage adjustment as of April 1, 2026, that will set their indirect start rates at a minimum of 3% above the Ontario minimum wage.

Union Negotiating Committee: Christine O’Donovan, Stacie Sproul, Servicing Representative Kirsten Hansen, and Union Representative Sacha Edey.

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