Hardy Terrace Service Unit Employees Ratify New Two-Year Contract

Brantford, ON—Over 100 employees working in the service unit of Hardy Terrace, a long term care home in Brantford, Ontario, voted nearly unanimously in favour of ratifying a two-year collective agreement providing them with yearly wage increases and other improvements.

The employees are represented by Grand River Valley Health Care Workers Union, CLAC Local 305. The union has represented them since 1983.

The new contract provides employees with a 3.5 percent wage increase effective May 1, 2024; a 1 percent special adjustment in March 2025; and a 3.5 percent wage increase May 1, 2025. Weekend shift premiums for all staff increased to 45 cents per hour, rising to 50 cents per hour on May 1, 2025. In addition, the employer will now pay $400 for vision coverage, and licensed registered psychotherapists were added to the list of covered paramedical services.

“The union bargaining committee did a great job identifying members’ priorities and securing them in negotiations with the employer,” says Aren Plante, CLAC representative. “This contract will improve our members’ lives, make Hardy Terrace a more equitable workplace, and help raise standards across the healthcare sector.”

Employees in the service unit include personal support workers; activity, dietary, healthcare, nursing, recreation, and restorative care aides; dietary, housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance staff; screeners; and cooks.