Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) is the largest social housing provider in Ottawa, offering affordable housing to almost 32,000 residents in communities throughout the city. Recently, OCH and the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 503 (CUPE 503) have reached a collective agreement that will benefit both parties.
The collective agreement covers over 600 unionized employees, including maintenance workers, building operators, and administrative staff. The agreement was negotiated over several months and provides long-term stability for OCH’s workforce while balancing the organization’s budget.
One of the main benefits of the agreement is the creation of a job security provision. This provision ensures that employees who have been with OCH for five years or more will not be laid off due to budgetary constraints. Additionally, employees who are laid off will have the first right to return to work when a position becomes available.
The agreement also includes wage increases and improved benefits for unionized employees. In the first year of the agreement, employees will receive a 1.5% wage increase, followed by 2% increases in the second and third years. The agreement also includes improvements to vacation entitlement, sick leave benefits, and the employer’s contribution to the union’s pension plan.
The collective agreement also addresses several concerns related to health and safety in the workplace. OCH and CUPE 503 have agreed to create a joint committee to address issues related to workplace violence and harassment, and to improve communication between management and employees on matters related to safety.
In addition to the collective agreement, OCH and CUPE 503 have agreed to collaborate on a joint initiative to encourage the development of affordable housing in Ottawa. The initiative will include participation from both management and unionized employees.
The collective agreement between OCH and CUPE 503 is a positive development for the organization and its workforce. It provides job security, improved benefits, and a framework for collaboration on important issues related to affordable housing in Ottawa. As the largest social housing provider in the city, OCH plays a crucial role in ensuring that all residents have access to safe and affordable housing. This agreement helps to ensure that OCH can continue to fulfill that mission while supporting its employees.