Workers at a retirement home in Tilbury held an informational picket to try to convince their employer Comfort of Living to return to the bargaining table.
Around 30 workers at Hudson Manor participated in the demonstration on Thursday, as they're not allowed to strike under the Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act (HLDAA).
Unifor Local 1941 President John Turton told CK News Today that employees are paid less than $20 an hour.
He said the employer doesn't feel like negotiating since retirement home workers can't strike and won't leave out of fear for their residents.
"They play off their hearts, that's what management does, because they know they're going to show up for work," explained Turton.
One of the workers who took part in the information picket line was Edna Larsh. She explained that she's worked at Hudson Manor for over 20 years and makes a little more than minimum wage.
"Just be fair to us, that's all we're asking," she said.
Along with pay, the workers want to negotiate better benefits and staff shortages.
The two sides are currently headed towards interest arbitration which will have a neutral arbitrator make a new contract. Turton said they would rather negotiate, but claims senior management at Comfort of Living refuse to do so.
The dispute has left the workers without a contract for 20 months, with the earliest arbitration date for the two sides happening in February.
Since there's been no new contract, employees have been getting the same pay and benefits under their previous deal.
"Our members are dedicated to these residents, and we're asking the employer to show the same dedication to their employees," added Mario Moceri, a national service staff representative with Unifor.
The workers plan on holding more demonstrations if their employer doesn't start negotiations.
Meanwhile, Comfort of Living told CK News Today in a statement that going to interest arbitration is something both sides agreed to do.
"The company has met with the union on multiple occasions and has been engaged in good faith collective bargaining throughout the process. Earlier this year, at the union’s request, both parties agreed to proceed to interest arbitration, which has been scheduled for February 2026. This is the established process under Ontario law for resolving disputes of this kind, and Hudson Manor remains committed to achieving a fair and responsible outcome that supports staff while ensuring residents continue to receive the highest quality of care," read the statement.
The company added that it values its employees and their right to share their views.
