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Unifor members from across Ontario working in long-term care and retirement homes gathered this week in Toronto to prepare for upcoming bargaining, share strategies, identifying priorities, and strengthening coordination across the province.
Held April 7–9 at the Holiday Inn Toronto International Airport, the conference brought together local union leaders, bargaining committee members, and staff to assess the current economic and bargaining climate and to chart a path forward for workers in the province’s care sectors.
“Long-term care and retirement home workers have carried an enormous burden, and they continue to show up every day to provide compassionate, crucial care,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “This conference is about turning that dedication into bargaining power, fighting for fair wages, better working conditions, and the respect these workers have always deserved.”
Throughout the conference, participants discussed key issues impacting the sector, including staffing and scheduling challenges, parity across workplaces, technological change including A.I., employers relying more heavily on “other duties as assigned” clauses, and the ongoing pressures facing frontline care providers. Delegates also reviewed current settlement patterns, interest arbitration trends, and launched a provincial bargaining survey to identify priorities for upcoming negotiations.
Sessions also focused on pensions and benefits, supporting migrant workers, health care legislation, and the role of communications in building member engagement and public support.
“The strength of this conference is in bringing workers together to speak candidly about the realities in their workplaces and to collectively shape the demands that will define upcoming bargaining,” said Assistant to the National President Kelly-Anne Orr.
A key theme throughout the three days was the importance of solidarity across bargaining units and regions to address disparities in wages and working conditions, which continue to drive retention challenges across the sector.
“When we align our priorities and organize together, we put ourselves in the strongest possible position to win,” said Unifor Health Care Director Kellee Jansen. “This conference ensures that our members’ voices are heard and reflected in our bargaining demands so we can raise standards right across the board.”
