The union representing 89 staff at the Elizabeth Centre nursing home in Val Caron is demanding workers receive retroactive pay, in line with a ruling by a board of arbitration. The workers, represented by Unifor (Mine Mill) Local 598, have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2022. Negotiations in 2023 failed to produce an agreement, and unresolved issues went to arbitration in 2024. A decision released in December 2024 awarded staff salary and benefit improvements retroactive to Jan. 1, 2023. Local 598 President Eric Boulay told CTV News that the decision required the Elizabeth Centre -- owned by Jarlette Health Services -- to provide retroactive pay within three pay periods. ‘Completely unacceptable’ Boulay said six pay periods have passed and staff still have not received the money. “The employer’s refusal to comply with a legally binding arbitration decision is completely unacceptable,” Boulay said in the news release. “Our members have waited long enough, and this ongoing failure to uphold their rights is a disgrace.” The union said it “is actively pursuing all available legal avenues to ensure workers receive what they are rightfully owed.” “The union is demanding immediate action from Jarlette Health Services and will not hesitate to escalate this matter further if the employer does not comply.” Jarlette Health Services has yet to respond to a message from CTV News Northern Ontario seeking comment on the matter.
