The Ontario Collective Agreement 2020 for Long Term Care: What You Need to Know
The Ontario government announced in June 2020 that it had reached a collective agreement with the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU) of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) to invest additional funding in the province`s long-term care (LTC) sector. The announcement came in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affected LTC homes and their residents in Ontario and across Canada.
The collective agreement includes several key provisions aimed at improving the quality of care and working conditions for LTC staff, who have been on the frontlines of the pandemic. Here are some of the highlights:
1. Increased Staffing Levels: The agreement calls for an additional 1,600 full-time positions to be added to LTC homes across Ontario. This includes 1,000 personal support workers (PSWs), 300 registered practical nurses (RPNs), and 300 other staff such as cleaners, dietary aides, and activity coordinators. These positions will be filled by the end of 2020, with a focus on homes that have been hardest hit by COVID-19.
2. Wage Increases: The agreement includes wage increases for all LTC staff, ranging from 1.5% to 3%. The exact amount varies depending on the staff member`s classification and years of service. PSWs will see the biggest increase, with a 4% raise for those with at least 10 years of experience.
3. Paid Sick Days: All LTC staff will now have access to paid sick days, which is a significant change from the previous policy that only allowed for unpaid leave. This is aimed at preventing the spread of illness in LTC homes, which has been a major concern during the pandemic.
4. Education and Training: The agreement includes funding for education and training for LTC staff, with a focus on infection prevention and control, dementia care, and mental health and wellness. This is aimed at improving the quality of care for residents and supporting the well-being of staff.
The Ontario government has committed to investing $1.75 billion over five years in the province`s LTC sector, with a focus on improving staffing levels and quality of care. The collective agreement with OCHU/CUPE is an important step in achieving these goals and addressing the issues that have been highlighted by the pandemic.
In summary, the Ontario Collective Agreement 2020 for Long Term Care is a significant step forward in improving the quality of care and working conditions for LTC staff in the province. The agreement includes funding for additional staff, wage increases, paid sick days, and education and training. These provisions are aimed at addressing the issues that have been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic and improving the lives of LTC residents and staff.