After almost 20 months, unionized workers at Banwell Gardens in Windsor finally have a contract.
An arbitrator ruled in their favour, awarding them a 1.5% increase for 2014, a 1.3% increase for 2015 and a bump up in the weekend premium. The arbitrator also ruled Rykka Care Centres must continue its formula for awarding part-timers vacation time, although new hires will have to follow a system that counts hours as opposed to the date of employment.
President of Unifor Local 2458, Bruce Dickie says a deal was reached through central bargaining, and the employer refused to ratify it.
"They came to the arbitration asking for wage freezes," says Dickie. "These are workers that just took a two-year wage freeze."
Dickie admits this round of talks has hurt the relationship workers have with their employer. He says the union plans to sit down with company officials this week to discuss ways to mend fences.
In the meantime, Dickie says he's already planning for the next round of talks.
The current contract expires at the end of July.
