Carewest Collective Agreement Implementation Update
The agreement came into effect on May 1, 2026, and covers July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2028.
Collective Agreement proofing
The draft Collective Agreement is nearing completion. Once completed, a limited number of Collective Agreements will be printed.
Retroactive Pay
HSAA employees can expect to see their retroactive pay reflected on their June 24, 2026 pay.
Retroactive Pay for former employees
Former employees must contact the employer to receive any retroactive payment for increases. The employer will not contact them.
Former employees whose employment terminated between July 1, 2024 to May 1, 2026, may submit a written request for the retroactive payment of any increases they would have received but for the termination of employment. Former employees whose employment terminated between July 1, 2024 to May 1, 2026, may submit a written request for the retroactive payment of any increases they would have received but for the termination of employment. While requests are normally required within 60 days of ratification, HSAA has secured an extension to 81 days.
As a result, requests must be received no later than July 21, 2026.
To submit a request, email cal.carewestbenefits@carewest.ca and include the following information:
- Employee Legal First and Last Name
- Employee e-People ID Number
- Termination Date
- Email address
- Phone number in case of a follow up call
How retroactive wages affect WCB benefits
WCB does not provide a top-up or adjust your benefits if you receive retroactive pay. Your WCB benefits are based on your actual earnings on the date of your accident and are not adjusted based on a new agreement. WCB will not change your benefit rate, and your employer does not need to report retroactive pay to WCB for recalculating benefits.
If WCB is paying you directly, there will be no additional top-up. Your benefits remain based on your earnings at the time of the accident, and no retroactive adjustments are made.
However, if your employer is continuing to top up your earnings while you are on WCB leave, your pay may be adjusted so it matches your regular rate based on the new agreement. In this case, any top-up or retroactive increase comes directly from your employer based on the top up amounts, not WCB.
Retroactive pay while on Short-term or Long-term Disability
Employees who were on STD or LTD before May 1, 2026, (date of ratification) will not receive retroactive pay, as wages are based on what employees earned on their date of disability. The employer does not report employee wage increases to the insurance company, as that would result in negative pay implications for the employee.
Long service pay
Long Service Pay of an additional 2% wage increase will be implemented effective April 1, 2027, and is for employees who have 20 years' continuous service.
Benefit enhancements/new benefits
Any benefits enhancements will be effective 90 days after ratification which is July 30, 2026.
Preceptor Pay
Effective May 1, 2026, HSAA bargaining unit employees who are formally assigned by their leaders to act as Preceptors are eligible to receive an additional $2.00 per hour for all approved hours worked in this capacity
*Important Information: May 1 – May 31, 2026*
Employees entitled to preceptor pay for the period of May 1 – May 17, 2026, will be initially compensated at a rate of $0.65 per hour. Retroactive payment for the remaining difference between $0.65 and $2.00 will be issued on August 5, 2026. This temporary payment approach is related to ePeople system functionality and is not intended to delay or reduce full payment of preceptor pay as outlined in the new agreement.
Employees entitled to preceptor pay for the period of May 18, 2026, and onwards will be compensated at the full rate of $2.00 per hour.
MEMBER QUESTIONS REGARDING PRECEPTOR PAY:
How will I know if I am a Preceptor?
A Preceptor shall mean an Employee who is assigned to supervise, educate, and evaluate students. Your Employer will assign an Employee to be a Preceptor.
If I am assigned to precept more than one student at a time will I receive more than $2.00 per hour?
If there is more than one student and you have been assigned to be the Preceptor, you will still only receive $2.00 per hour and not $2.00 per student.
Do I still have to work and help train the student if I am not assigned as the Preceptor?
Yes, you may still be working with that student and helping train, but the Preceptor will be the one evaluating and signing off and submitting paperwork.
Will my manager assign more than one person at a time to be a Preceptor for a student?
There will typically only be one person assigned to precept the student at a time, typically per shift.
A Preceptor will only be paid for the hours they are precepting the student. If you or the student is not at work, you will not receive the Preceptor Pay (ie: sick). The manager may assign another person to precept during the time of absence.
Professional Fee Reimbursement
Employees who work at least 810 hours in the registration year and renew their professional license by the association’s deadline may be eligible for reimbursement of up to $500, as outlined in the Collective Agreement.
To receive reimbursement, email a copy of your renewed license to your employer’s HR Administrative Assistant.
Once your license renewal and eligibility are confirmed, reimbursement will be processed automatically and paid two full pay periods after the registration deadline.
If you believe you are eligible but do not receive reimbursement, please contact cal.carewestbenefits@carewest.ca.
Professional Development Days
Upon request, employees will be granted three professional development days annually, paid at the basic rate of pay, for professional development directly related to their discipline. Professional development days unused in each fiscal year shall do not be carry forward to future years.