Monday, November 29, 2021

Whispering Pines Employees Unanimously Ratify New Contract, Secure Wage Gains and Other Improvements

Barrie, ON—Employees of Whispering Pines Residence in Barrie, Ontario, unanimously ratified a three-year collective agreement providing them with wage increases and other improvements.

The employees are represented by Healthcare and Service Workers Union, CLAC Local 304. The union has represented the employees since 2008.

The new contract provides employees with wage increases of six percent over the term plus improvements to benefits, weekend premiums, vacation entitlement, and employer-paid pension contributions. In addition, contract language regarding the probation period was improved, making the process shorter and less cumbersome.

“What has held the facility together during the pandemic and a tough bargaining year was the team within the building,” says Suzanne Gagnon-Haines, a dietary aide and member of the union bargaining committee as well as a union steward. “Tough times do not last but tough teams do. We look forward to building on these improvements during the next round of negotiations.”

CLAC Local 304 represents approximately 60 staff at Whispering Pines who are employed as RPNs, unregulated care providers, dietary aides, housekeepers, cooks, bus drivers, and PSWs.

“While the retirement sector is a very competitive industry for occupancy, it is also becoming a new arm to long term care,” says Ruth Ann Ferguson, CLAC representative. “With this in mind, wages and benefits must also grow to meet that reality to attract workers. This will hopefully bode well for our members down the road.”

Whispering Pines Employees Unanimously Ratify New Contract, Secure Wage Gains and Other Improvements

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