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Members of Unifor Local 39 at Superior Greenstone Association for Community Living (SGACL) have ratified a new three-year collective agreement that secures wage increases, improved benefits and better job security for workers.
The new contract covers Unifor members who provide support and services to people with developmental disabilities in communities across Northern Ontario.
“Community living workers are an essential part of our health care and social services system, and they deserve fair wages, strong benefits and the staffing levels needed to provide quality care,” said Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. “This agreement is another step in Unifor’s fight for a system of care where workers are respected for the crucial work they do in their communities.”
The agreement includes 9% wage increases, 4% in the first year followed by 2.5% increases in each of the following two years, along with a 2% signing bonus. The contract also transitions members in the Direct Care Worker I classification into the Direct Care Worker II wage grid. More than half of members are already at the top of the wage scale and will receive an immediate 8.6% wage increase before the general wage increases are applied.
“Our bargaining committee worked hard to address the priorities identified by members, and we’re proud to have a new agreement that delivers real gains,” said Unifor Local 39 President Earl Harrison. “This contract reflects the important work our members do in supporting individuals and families throughout the region.”
The contract also secures annual healthcare spending accounts of $500 for full-time employees and $300 for part-time employees, enhanced benefits coverage for part-time workers, improved vacation entitlements, and increased mileage reimbursements.
The agreement also improves sick leave protections, increases meal allowances, enhances compensation for overnight excursions and other recreational assignments, and provides greater flexibility for employees accessing vacation and benefit provisions.
The new contract runs from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2029.
Unifor represents more than 35,000 health care and social services workers across Canada, including those in hospitals, long-term care, retirement homes, home care, and community services.
