Wiigwas Ratifies
January 29, 2026
Wiigwas ratifies yearly wage increases, pension and benefit improvements, and language gains with new collective agreement for healthcare workers.
The HOPE Sector workers at Wiigwas Elder and Senior Care in Kenora ratified a three-year collective agreement on December 16, 2025.
Wages will increase for these healthcare members in each year of the contract as follows: Year 1 – 3.5%, Year 2 – 3.0%, and Year 3 – 3.0%. There will be a special wage adjustment for RPNs of $5.00/hour on January 1, 2026. Premiums for evening and night shift will increase from 50 cents to 75 cents per hour.
Pension and benefit improvements will have the members enrolling in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan – HOOPP, and the dental contribution rate will increase to 42 cents in 2027.
Language improvements include:
- The uniform allowance will increase to $200 per year.
- The employer will reimburse $75-$100 for the cost of a safe food handling course, and a paid day to attend the course.
- Great grandparent and great grandchild will be added to the list of immediate family for purposes of bereavement. The requirement to attend the funeral in order to be eligible for paid leave has been eliminated.
Union negotiating committee: Rowena Pangilinan, Ryan Santiago, and Cecillia Switzer. Union representative: Alex Stubbs.
Catch up on all the negotiation highlights from across the province here.
Read more Negotiation Updates from the Local 175 HOPE Sector! What’s HOPE? It stands for Health, Office & Professional Employees.
In health care facilities, it is the front-line workers who shoulder the responsibility in caring for patients. Find out why Health Care workers benefit from belonging to our Union!
Find more features of UFCW Locals 175 & 633 members at work.