Tuesday, September 17, 2019

50 Years of Quality Care

In 1969, a group of like-minded individuals made the decision to establish a long term care home in the outskirts of a then small town, Brampton, Ontario. Holland Christian Homes Inc. (HCH) was established with the vision to provide accommodations and quality care that encapsulated the spiritual, physical, and emotional aspects of life for those living there.

Early in 1986, the 100 employees began looking for union representation, and on April 10 Health Care and Service Workers Union, CLAC Local 304, received certification from the Ontario Labour Relations Board. Since those early days, Local 304 now represents over 360 members currently employed by Holland Christian Homes. The local represents all nonmanagement staff working at HCH, including laundry and housekeeping staff, dietary staff and cooks, and nursing and personal care staff including RNs, RPNs, and personal support workers.

Several new buildings have been added to the location, and services and amenities have been expanded for those residing in the Towers and Manors parts of HCH. Construction is currently underway to convert the existing 120 beds of Faith Manor into 42 apartment style accommodations for residents living with mild dementia and Alzheimer’s.

This new addition will create a safer living environment for all those living in Long Term Care. At a time when care is much more complex, when the individual needs of each resident are so varied and demands are increasing, this new approach to long term care is what is needed.

Over the years, CLAC representatives and stewards have built solid relationships with many members. A cooperative working relationship has evolved between the union and its members and the employer.

Through successive, multiple negotiations for new collective agreements, Local 304 has worked with members on the union bargaining team to improve the work-life of their fellow members. Over the years, they have succeeded in bargaining substantial improvements to wages, benefits, and working conditions that have made a real difference in the lives of members. Some of these improvements are unique to HCH and are found nowhere else in the long term care sector.

Much has changed since those early days in 1969. What has remained consistent, though, is the quality of care given to the residents and tenants of Holland Christian Homes.

Local 304 is privileged to serve the hard-working staff at Holland Christian Homes. We look forward to advancing their concerns and needs well into the future.

Check out the photos of these wonderful Local 304 members on CLAC's Facebook page.

50 Years of Quality Care

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