Community Living Stratford and Area has reached an agreement with unionized employees.
The deal will last until March 31, 2026, the organization announced.
A non-profit that provides person-centered supports, services and advocacy for adults with developmental disabilities, CLSA has 190 unionized employees.
CLSA Executive Director Trevor McGregor told My Stratford Now that the deal ensures quality services will remain in place for people supported by the agency, as well as “supports that offer confidence and security so that people can participate in events, commerce and friendships, supports that are meaningful to one’s quality of life and supports that are essential.”
With negotiated increases of 2.5 per cent in 2024 and 2.25 per cent in 2025, and a directed permanent wage enhancement, which was applied when received by the provincial government in April of 2022, the five-year agreement will see wages increased by 18 to 22 per cent for frontline staff, McGregor said.
The agreement addresses systemic issues raised by the union through improved contract language, the CEO added.
McGregor said developmental sector organizations have experienced chronic underfunding towards their operation budgets for the past two decades.
“This challenge in funding always makes negotiations a sensitive and difficult process for agencies. CLSA values and respects the work done by all of its employees in striving to achieve our mission and we are thankful for the support our community provides.”
A tentative deal was previously announced before union membership voted Wednesday and Thursday to ratify the deal.
