Workers at La Chaumiere Retirement Residence in Belle River ratified a new three-year collective agreement by a margin of 100 per cent.
The new contract replaces the one that expired last January and includes improvements in health benefits, access to mental health supports, and a pay raise of eight per cent and 12 per cent over the life of the contract.
"This contract gives health care workers at La Chaumiere the highest wage increases we have seen in a long while," said Unifor Local 2458 Second Vice-President Shelley Smith. "Employers across the province need to take notice that attracting and retaining health care workers starts by ensuring workers are fairly compensated."
The contract also includes improvements to the work schedule, paid education leave, and better shift premiums.
More than 60 registered practical nurses, registered nurses, and personal support workers work at La Chaumiere.
Unifor said those who work in retirement residences and long-term care homes in Ontario are drastically underpaid and overworked. It said it has led to a shortage of workers across the province.