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TORONTO—Unifor Local 2488 members at Native Child and Family Services of Toronto have ratified a new three-year collective agreement that delivers steady wage increases and important improvements to working conditions for 300 frontline and support workers.
“The child welfare system is underfunded, and that is especially true for agencies serving Indigenous communities,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. "We will continue to advocate for systemic change while ensuring our members’ rights and working conditions are improved at the bargaining table.”
The new contract includes annual wage increases of 3% over the term of the agreement, which runs from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2028. Members will also see enhancements to benefits, personal emergency leave, and domestic violence leave, as well as improved mileage and meal allowances.
“This agreement reflects the dedication of our members who provide critical support to Indigenous children, youth and families in Toronto,” said Andrea Lawrence, President of Unifor Local 2488. “While we continue to push for a better funding model for the sector, this contract brings meaningful improvements we can build on.”
The financial constraints facing the child welfare sector—especially Indigenous service providers—were a central challenge during bargaining.
Members work in a range of roles including social work, early childhood education, youth care, shelter support, administration, maintenance and IT services.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
