Two per cent wage hike in each of four years: OPSEU
Workers with Julliette's Place in Scarborough, Ont., have voted unanimously to ratify a four-year tentative agreement that carries substantial wage and benefit enhancements.
The workers at the family shelter — who belong to Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Local 518 — had been without a contract since March 31.
"I think the vote result is a reflection of our satisfaction with the new contact," said Kayla MacNeil‑De Sousa, OPSEU staff representative. "I'd have to say it was a tough round of bargaining, and the team worked long and hard to get it. But in the end, both sides arrived at reasonable solutions."
Under the terms of the settlement, workers will see a two per cent wage hike in each of the four years, retroactive to April 1, 2017. However, workers at the top of their salary scale will receive 2.5 per cent more each year. A fixed wage grid itself forms part of the new deal, said the union.
Employees will also receive:
- an extra day of compassionate leave per year
- maternity leave topped up to 75 per cent for 15 weeks
- 50 per cent of salary paid during the statutory waiting period for pregnancy
- 30 per cent payout from sick bank upon leaving employment
- ·new health and safety language
- transportation allowance increased to $0.45
- annual tuition assistance of $1,000 per person for full-time staff; $300 for part-time staff.
