Wednesday, October 28, 2026

VON Canada Workers Secure Wage Increases and Retroactive Pay in New Agreement

BRANTFORD, ON—Employees of VON Canada – Ontario Branch working in Brantford, Haldimand, and Norfolk have ratified a three-year collective agreement providing wage increases and retroactive payments.

The 133 employees are represented by Grand River Valley Health Care Workers Union, CLAC Local 305, which has represented the company’s employees since 2014. The group includes personal support workers (PSWs), health care technicians, home helpers, and fitness instructors.

The agreement, ratified on October 20, 2026, runs from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2028. It includes wage increases of 2.5 percent in both 2025 and 2026, with a wage reopener scheduled for 2027.

Employees will also receive retroactive lump-sum payments of 3.5 percent for hours paid between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, and one percent for hours paid between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

“Home care is an essential part of Ontario’s health care system, yet these workers continue to face significant disparities in wages, benefits, and working conditions compared to other health care professionals,” says Mary Ellen VanderSluis, CLAC representative. “Our members face challenges such as rising fuel costs, unpaid travel time, and last-minute cancellations that result in lost income.

“Despite providing essential services that help keep people out of hospitals and long-term care homes, they are excluded from the Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act, denying them access to the same labour relations framework available to other unionized health care workers. CLAC will continue advocating for meaningful solutions to these challenges.”

VON Canada provides home care, community support, and health services that help individuals maintain their independence and well-being.

VON Canada Workers Secure Wage Increases and Retroactive Pay in New Agreement

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