By: Matt Weinagrden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
Workers at the Extendicare‑run Iler Lodge say months of payroll problems left staff struggling through the 2025 holiday season, prompting the union representing them to file multiple grievances and call for urgent action as the issues continue into 2026.
The roughly 140 members of CUPE Local 1370 had filed three grievances by mid‑December and had been meeting with management in the lead‑up to Dec. 18, 2025, in an effort to resolve problems tied to a payroll system introduced earlier in the year at the long‑term care home.
Staff reported that each pay period brought new errors, including missing top‑ups for personal support workers and nursing staff, along with problems affecting vacation balances and time‑off allotments.
CUPE said it had been working with management since May to correct the payroll issues, but the problems persisted at the Essex facility. Similar concerns were reported at other Extendicare homes across Ontario, but union officials said the situation in Essex remained unresolved. They argued employees continued to show up to provide consistent care while the employer failed to pay them accurately or on time.
“These are members who are already marginalized, already working multiple jobs to cover their bills,” said Suanne Hawkins, national representative for Local 1370. “Something must be done.”
The union said it was prepared to escalate its response if the matter was not resolved soon.
Members of CUPE Local 1370 said they were speaking out to highlight the impact of the payroll problems and hoped management would take immediate steps to correct the system and prevent further pay disruptions.