Friday, November 21, 2025

Heidehof Employees Overwhelmingly Ratify New Two-Year Contract

ST. CATHARINES, ON—Healthcare workers employed by the Benevolent Society “Heidehof” for the Care of the Aged overwhelmingly ratified a two-year collective agreement providing them with annual wage increases and many other improvements.

The tentative agreement was approved by 97 percent of voting employees in a hybrid ratification vote held both electronically and in person, with excellent turnout. The employees are represented by Niagara Healthcare and Service Workers Union, CLAC Local 302.

The new contract, effective from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2027, includes retroactive wage increases of 3.5 percent for all classifications effective April 1, 2025, and another 3.5 percent increase effective April 1, 2026. In addition, registered nurses (RNs) and registered practical nurses (RPNs) will receive special wage adjustments of $1 per hour in each year of the agreement to help address recruitment and retention challenges.

All active employees as of November 1, 2025, will also receive a lump-sum payment equivalent to one percent of straight-time wages earned between November 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025, payable before the end of December 2025.

Other contract improvements include the following:

an increased weekend premium of 45 cents per hour;
an enhanced vision care benefit of $275 every 24 months;
addition of psychotherapists to eligible paramedical coverage;
uniform allowance extended to recreation staff;
new return-to-work language ensuring the right to union representation; and
updated vacation and orientation provisions to reflect current practices.

“This agreement is a solid step forward for our members,” says Isobel Farrell, CLAC representative. “We are proud of the improvements achieved—both in wages and benefits—which reflect the commitment, compassion, and professionalism that Heidehof staff demonstrate daily in their care for residents. We’re pleased that the settlement received such strong endorsement from the membership.”

Heidehof is a 106-bed long term care home in St. Catharines, Ontario, that has been providing care and support to seniors since it opened in 1972. CLAC has proudly represented the employees at Heidehof since 1976, and next year marks 50 years of representation at the home.

CLAC Local 302 represents 216 employees at Heidehof in a variety of classifications, including personal support workers (PSWs), RNs, RPNs, dietary aides, housekeeping staff, maintenance staff, and recreation aides.

Heidehof Employees Overwhelmingly Ratify New Two-Year Contract

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