Nearly 600 employees at Chatham-Kent’s hospital have ratified a new two-year contract that includes significant wage increases.
A total of 590 workers at both sites of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA), represented by Unifor Local 2458, recently voted 91 per cent in favour of a new collective agreement.
The new contract includes 3.5 per cent yearly wage increases. As well, with provincial Bill 124 struck down in court, the new agreement also includes a retroactive 5 per cent wage increase to the previous agreement.
Registered practical nurses and personal support workers will also receive an additional $2 per hour increase.
“This is the best agreement these members have seen in decades, possibly ever,” said Local 2458 Chair Matt Sojak in a news release. “With this new agreement, the future looks bright for our members as we continue to provide essential services in Chatham and Wallaceburg.”
The new contract covers a diverse group of CKHA employees from nurses to cooks and housekeeping staff.
The agreement will remain in effect until March 31, 2024.
