Residents, Employees Benefit from United Steelworkers Settlement at Maxville Manor

MAXVILLE, ON, July 18, 2019 /CNW/ - United Steelworkers (USW) Ontario Director Marty Warren says long-term-care facilities are better when workers are treated with respect.

Warren said the recent collective agreement ratified by 119 unionized workers at Maxville Manor means improvements in working conditions, increased weekend premiums, pay adjustment for some job classifications and more vacation entitlement for long-service employees.

"Our members' working conditions are also living conditions for residents in long-term care," said Warren. "A decent contract means better employee retention and a generally healthier environment for everyone."

Wages will increase by 4.3% over three years for the non-profit facility's registered practical nurses (RPNs), personal support workers (PSWs), nurses' aides, activity aides and laundry, housekeeping and food service staff.

"Our union supports a national seniors' strategy that includes the well-being of workers in this growing sector of our society. As a society, we must address growing issues of staffing and increased levels of care," Warren said.

"In Ontario, health care is being paid lip service by the Ford government. But the reality is a shortage of skilled long-term-care workers and a tendency toward government austerity and restraint," he added.

"This has to stop because the future for all of us demands secure public services for older Canadians and better working conditions for care providers."

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)