Funding language, raises, & more for YMCA Simcoe-Muskoka members

Members at YMCA Simcoe-Muskoka, who provide childcare services in the region, have ratified a new collective agreement that includes significant wage increases and better servicing language.

The Union Negotiating Committee secured Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) funding language effective March 7, 2025. This was an important achievement for the members at YMCA Simcoe-Muskoka that will provide a Special Wage Adjustment (SWA).

Wage adjustments for start rates across all classifications range from 16-26%. Any members above the start rate will receive a general wage increase of 2%, in addition to the SWA, in year one, followed by 2% in year two, and another 2% in year three.

Other monetary improvements ensure that a member who is the successful applicant for a job posting will be moved to the rate that provides an increase, rather than being placed at the starting rate for the new position. The employer will now pay registration fees for employees wishing to attend a Mental Health First Aid Training Course.

This agreement also secures Union servicing language that ensures UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Representatives have access to the units to assist members, settle grievances, and provide regular services from the Union.

Sick leave credits will be renamed as Well-Being Days. This adjustment will allow members to use their Well-Being Days without having to be ill in order to take them. Vacation language improves to shrink the blackout period to one week, instead of two weeks, prior to the school year starting. Bereavement entitlement also improves to provide five paid days, up from three, for the death of certain family members as outlined in the agreement.

The 20 full-time and 38 part-time members at YMCA Simcoe-Muskoka secured the new three-year agreement at a ratification vote on July 10, 2025.

Union Negotiating Committee: Ashley Austin, Jeni Harvey, and Union Representative Derek Jokhu.

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Take a look at upcoming Union events and opportunities available to Members of UFCW Locals 175 & 633!

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