Inside the Circle – March 5, 2024

Last call to please fill out the Attestations form if you haven’t done so already.

Don’t forget to check-out the ‘Beyond Silence’ app! This is a free and confidential mental health support program to our PSWs and Homemakers. Through the app, you can access resources to support your mental well-being, and you are able to speak with a trained Peer Support Provider. You can access the app on your Circle of Care work phone, and on your personal device.
ACCESS CODE: CCYP527J8

We ask that if you have just started using the Beyond Silence app, that you fill out the following form:
Baseline: https://canchild.mcmaster.ca/surveys/?s=9XKXWR4KLF44FACE

If you’ve been using the app for a while, please fill out the follow-up form:
Follow-Up: https://canchild.mcmaster.ca/surveys/?s=DDW89H4A9RA47PKH

Do you need mask-fit testing done? There will be free N95 mask fit testing available from Carefirst Seniors and Community Services Association, in partnership with Ontario Health Central. This free service is available from February 27 to March 28, 2024, at two locations:

420 Highway 7 East, Unit 104A, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K2

• February 27 & 29, March 18, 19, 21 & 28, 2024
• 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

300 Silver Star Blvd., Scarborough ON M1V 0G2

• March 22 & 25, 2024
• 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To register for this service, you can call (416) 646 – 5108 or book online at https://www.picktime.com/carefirstn95

Let’s keep things safe and healthy! Here are some important steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses:

• Wash your hands regularly.
• Check that you feel good and have no symptoms before starting work.
• Stay home if you’re not feeling well.
• If you have COVID-19 symptoms, stay home for 1-2 days and take a quick test.
• Tell your office if your test is positive.
• Always wear a mask when working with clients.
• Keep an eye on your clients and tell your supervisor if they show new symptoms. Use extra protective gear (gloves, eye protection, and gown) when needed. Stay safe!

I saw my neighbour who works at a hospital as a PSW. She said she is now being paid $27 per hour. My question is when will home care PSWs get the same pay as the hospital? Everything is expensive nowadays. I am still in shock.

We understand this may be upsetting to compare your earnings to a peer who works in a hospital setting. We know that compensation models vary by industry (i.e., between community care, long-term care and hospital). Circle of Care provides a competitive compensation package for our community PSWs, which for our full-time employees includes access to our group benefit and paid sick time program.

When will we receive the basic pay $25 from Justin Trudeau that he promised in April 2023 to all PSWs? Thank you.

This promise that you are referencing from Prime Minister Trudeau is not finalized or legislated – this was a promise he had made prior to the previous re-election. For more information, please visit: https://liberal.ca/our-platform/better-working-conditions-for-personal-support-workers/

I thought that every work anniversary we are supposed to receive an increase of 40 cents/hr. Why don’t I see an increase? My work anniversary was last January.

All wage increases are outlined in detail in our Collective Agreement (https://psw.circleofcare.com/index.php/workingatcircleofcare/collectiveagreement/?highlight=collective%20agreement). All wage increases are effective as of July 1st of each calendar year. The last wage increase was July 1, 2023. Circle of Care and SEIU are currently in the beginning stages of collective bargaining for the next Collective Agreement which will outline any additional wage increases for the 2024 year and beyond.