MEMO: New Collective Agreement Approved

By March 19, 2026Memos

New Collective Agreement is Approved

We’re happy to share that after comprehensive discussions with the SEIU, Circle of Care’s Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and Home Support Workers (HSWs) have voted to approve a new collective agreement. This means wage increases, a one-time bonus payment, higher contributions to savings, and more sick leave. Circle of Care is proud to have worked with the Union to make these improvements for our valued PSWs and HSWs.

General Wage Increases and Retroactive Payments

1) Wage Increases (going forward)

All of our PSWs and HSWs will see their hourly wage increase based on the following rate increases, as specified in the newly ratified collective agreement:

  • July 1, 2024: 3% increase
  • July 1, 2025: 3% increase
  • July 1, 2026: 3% increase

2) Retroactive Pay

All PSWs and HSWs hired before March 6, 2026, the date of the ratification of the new collective agreement, will also receive retroactive pay for the period back to July 1, 2024, if employed with us at that time. These payments will appear on your paystub at some point over the next three pay periods.

3) Lump Sum Bonus

All PSWs and HSWs employed with Circle of Care prior to March 6, 2026 will also receive a one-time bonus, also at some point over the next three pay periods:

  • Full-time employees: $2,500
  • Part-time employees: $1,000

New Retirement Savings Options for Unionized PSWs/HSWs

All PSWs and HSWs who have been with us for at least 12 months now have the option to save for retirement in both an RRSP and a TFSA. This can help you and your family plan for the future, gets you some extra money from your employer to grow your savings, and gives you more choice and flexibility on how you want to save.

To better support you we will send you invitations to join sessions with Royal Bank of Canada RBC who manages these plans and who can guide you through how to set them up. In the meantime, here is some basic information below about the types of plans and how Circle of Care can match your contributions.

1) RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan)

If you contribute to an RRSP, you pay less tax now because the money you put in reduces your taxable income. This could mean a bigger income tax refund for you. The money grows and when you retire and take the money out, you may pay less tax than you would today.

2) TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) – NEW

If you put money into this account, it grows tax-free, which means that you don’t pay tax on the amount the money grew.

Employer Matching Contributions:

The great news is that if you deposit money into these accounts, Circle of Care matches the same amount:

  • Full-time employees can contribute up to $450 per year between the RRSP and TFSA
  • Part-time employees can contribute up to $300 per year between the RRSP and TFSA
  • Example: You put $200 in your RRSP and $250 in your TFSA → the employer also puts $200 in your RRSP and $250 in your TFSA accounts.

Sick Leave Bank 

Full-time employees will now accrue 55 hours/year of sick leave, up to a maximum of 200 hours.

We truly appreciate your dedication and the excellent care you provide to our clients. If you have any questions about your pay, benefits, or these updates, please contact HR at HRDept@circleofcare.com