Fergus, Ont. – June 27, 2020 – Health care members at the Caressant Care retirement home in Fergus, Ontario have achieved a new union contract that provides wage increases, additional paid leave, a new premium, and more.

Under the new two-year collective agreement, members will receive an employer-paid maternity leave top up of 75 percent, as well as wage increases of 2 percent retroactive to February 2020 and another 2 percent as of January 31, 2021. In addition to the percentage increase, Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) will receive a wage increase of 15 cents per hour effective immediately, and 10 cents per hour effective January 31, 2021.

The Union Negotiating Committee also achieved a new weekend shift premium that pays 15 cents per hour on top of an employee’s regular rate. That premium becomes effective as of ratification and it will increase to 20 cents per hour on January 31, 2022.

Language now allows for increased flexibility for bereavement leave for members at Caressant Care. For example, if bereavement occurs while an employee is on vacation, those vacation days can be reversed to be used at a later date. As well, eligible employees can now use their vacation in single-day increments.

Other monetary improvements include an increase to the uniform allowance of $2 per month for part-time employees, and 50 cents per month for full-time members. Vision care coverage for members improves to $325 every 24 months. The employer has also agreed to make a one-time contribution to the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Training & Education Fund.

To read more about the new union contract at Caressant Care Fergus, click here.

UFCW Canada Locals 175 & 633 represent more than 70,000 hard-working Ontarians in almost every sector of the economy. To learn more about the outstanding work of UFCW 175 & 633, visit the Local Union's website.

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