MAKE IT FAIR
Retirement home workers in Ontario are not paid fairly for their work, and they deserve better.
We are calling on retirement homes in the province to implement a $3 across-the-board wage increase for ALL their employees.
Here’s why retirement home employers are failing their workers.
Below-Average Wages
Minimum wage went up by 40% from 2011 to 2021. However, retirement home wages only went up by 21%.
Not Keeping Up With Cost of Living
Retirement home wages are not keeping up with the increasing cost of living in Ontario, while other industries are.
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Construction worker wages will increase by 3.33%–6.3% in 2022
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Retail worker wages have increased by 4.3% in 2022 so far
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Private-sector worker wages increased by 4.1% in 2022
Female-Dominated Jobs Are Unfairly Compensated
Healthcare tends to be a female-dominated industry, while construction tends to be male-dominated. Yet wage increases for construction is significantly better than retirement homes.
What the workers have to say:
“We deserve an increase because we are the ones making a good name for the company, and making their business successful. If things don't change, I will have to leave the sector—I've already considered it.”
— Patricia, a PSW and retirement home associate
“I love working with seniors and making their days brighter, but I don’t have a lot of time to spend with our residents. We’re short staffed, and I leave work feeling overwhelmed every day. It makes you question if you’ve done your best.”
— Kim, a PSW and retirement home associate
More Information on How CLAC is Supporting Retirement Home Workers:
WSIB for Retirement Home Workers an Issue That Can No Longer Be Ignored
Worker Protection for Those Who Need It Most
Make It Fair: Retirement Home Workers Deserve Wage Increases (clac.ca)
The Forgotten Heros in Health Care (TheSpec.com)
Tell Us Your Story!
Do you have experience as a worker in a retirement home? Or do you have a friend or loved one who is a resident, and you want to express your thanks to those who provide them care?
Share your stories and pictures with us using the form below. You may be contacted to be featured on our social media or in our member publications!