Workers at the Hartford Ratify New Contract

DATE: January 26, 2011

Ottawa—Workers at the Hartford Retirement Centre in Morrisburg, Ontario, have a new union and a new union contract. Approximately 20 workers employed as attendants at the retirement residence voted last February to join CLAC.

This week, those workers saw their vote in favour of CLAC payoff as they voted more than 85 percent in favour of a new contract, which provides them with a 4.5 percent wage increase over two years. The agreement also maintains or expands numerous premiums and additional benefits.

"Our union is proud to represent the workers at the Hartford," says Brian Dijkema, CLAC’s Ottawa director. "They chose us because they wanted service and they wanted to make sure they kept the benefits they worked so hard to secure. We were able to do that and gain solid raises in line with the industry as well. I'm proud of the work the members and the bargaining committee have done with this contract. We look forward to working with them in the coming years."