New deal improves conditions, wages and benefits: USW
A United Steelworkers union (USW) settlement with a long-term care facility in Cobden, Ont., on June 10 recognizes the growing issues of staffing and increased levels of care.
“In short, this settlement is a step forward for these 138 members of our union,” said Marty Warren, USW Ontario director. “At the same time, however, due to government austerity and the consequent restraint practised by boards of arbitration, wage increases tend to be below the rate of inflation.”
The settlement at Caressant Care Nursing and Retirement Homes involves two collective agreements for members of USW, Local 6936. The three-year agreements will see wages increase by a total of 4.5 per cent in the nursing home and by six per cent in the retirement home. The agreements cover service workers, personal-support workers, registered practical nurses and registered nurses, said the union.
In both contracts, there are increases in uniform allowances, vision care, weekend premiums and benefits covering such services as chiropractors, psychologists and others. Employees will also be able to be paid for 50 per cent of unused sick leave. And for the first time, there is a provision for time off for employees to deal with domestic violence, said USW.
