KITCHENER, Ont. – Long-term care workers from Hillside Manor Nursing Home, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), won wage increases and pay equity improvements ranging from 12 to 13 per cent over three years, in an Interest Arbitration Award issued by Arbitrator Professor G. Simmons on May 25th.
“Our members are happy the care they provide to residents is being recognized with a significant wage increase of over four per cent a year,” said Jim Flynn, CUPE co-ordinator for long-term care workers in Ontario. “We were also able to fight off concession demands made by the employer.”
CUPE Local 424.1 represents 70 workers who provide important long-term care services to over 90 residents at the home, owned by Central Care Corporation (formerly known as Central Park Lodges). The workers include registered practical nurses (RPNs), health care aides, housekeeping, dietary and laundry aides, cooks, activity aides and maintenance workers. The workers also won shift (afternoons and evenings) and weekend premiums. The contract covers the period from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2005.
“This award sends a clear message to private, for-profit companies,” said Flynn. “Dedicated workers should be paid fair wages, and attacking the job security of workers who care for the elderly, is not acceptable.”
CUPE continues to call on the provincial government to enforce standards in the industry, including providing a minimum of two baths per week for each resident, and strict monitoring to ensure such practices are followed.
For further information, please contact:
Jim Flynn, CUPE Long-Term Care Coordinator, 613-889-4309 (cell);
Jill Smyth, CUPE National Representative, 519-743-7781;
Anne Healy, CUPE Long-Term Care Researcher, 416-292-3999;
James Chai, CUPE Communications, 416-292-3999.