Heidehof Employees Overwhelmingly Ratify New Contract

St. Catharines, ON—Employees of Heidehof For The Care Of The Aged overwhelmingly ratified a two-year collective agreement providing wage increases that make some classifications among the highest paid in the province.

The nearly 200 employees are represented by Niagara Health Care and Service Workers Union, CLAC Local 302. The union has represented Heidehof employees since 1976.

The new contract provides above-average wage increases over the term ranging from 11 to 14 percent over the life of the agreement. In addition, the union bargaining committee was able to resolve outstanding back pay from the imposition of Bill 124 with further half-percent increases in the previous three years.

“We’re pleased with the result of this round of negotiations,” says Isobel Farrell, CLAC representative. “The wage gains were a priority for the membership, particularly with the ongoing impact of inflation and rising interest rates. The settlement we achieved was strongly supported by the members, with 84 percent voting in favour of the agreement.”