Contents

Collective Agreements

J&S cleaners approve two-year deal

Local 175 members working as cleaning staff with J&A Building Services ratified a renewed collective agreement on March 11, 2005. The two-year deal contains the following improvements:

• Wages increase by 45 cents per hour over the term of the contract for Cleaners and Day Monitors.

• Wages increase by 93 cents per hour over the term of the contract for Lead Hands.

• Pension contributions increase by 10 cents per hour providing an improved retirement benefit for members of the bargaining unit.

• Contributions to the workers health and welfare plan increase by 10 cents per hour in the first year of the contract and 5 cents per hour in the second year.

• Workers receive a safety shoe allowance of $60.

• The Company will cover wages for health and safety training as well as lost time for negotiations.

• Bereavement entitlement improves to provide five days leave.

Union Negotiating Committee: Emilia Caeiro and Union Rep Linval Dixon.

Sterling Place workers reach four-year deal

Approximately 44 retirement care workers at Sterling Place in Ottawa secured a new contract including significant monetary increases and language improvements. Highlights include:

• Wage increases to the end rates of each classification of 12 per cent over the four-year deal.

• An additional 50 cents per hour for RPNs in the first year.

• A 6 per cent increase to CCWIPP contributions.

• Incorporation of the company benefit plan into the collective agreement.

• Reduced statutory holiday qualifiers for part-time workers.

• Increased uniform allowance.

• Increased recall rights of up to 24 months.

• New Union dues remittance language.

Union Negotiating Committee: Remo Castelli, Cindy Leeman, Hipka Velagic and Union Rep Simon Baker.

Members at Strudex Fibres in Waterloo approved a new three-year collective agreement on March 20, 2005.

The members, who attended the four proposal meetings, gave a mandate to their Negotiating Committee to protect the benefits and the pension and to use whatever money was negotiated for that purpose. “The Strudex members made a very wise decision to protect their benefits and to get their pension up to the current maximum,” says Union Rep Wendy Absolom.

Company contributions to the UFCW Benefit Trust Fund have now increased from $1.12 per hour to $1.87 per hour. Employer contributions to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan, to fund retirement benefits, increase from 72 cents per hour to $1.35 per hour. Twenty-two cents of the increase is retroactive to January 1, 2005, with the remaining increase going into effect on March 20, 2005. Company contributions to the UFCW Trusteed Dental Plan also increase, rising to 34 cents per hour over the term of the contract, while contributions to the Local 175 & 633 Training & Education fund increase by one cent per hour.

In addition, Yarn Department operators and suppliers receive a special adjustment of 40 cents per hour over the term of the contract with licensed industrial electricians receiving 55 cents per hour. All classifications receive 10 cents per hour in the last year.

The employer has committed, in writing, to resolve the issue of in-plant heat build-up by providing additional water coolers, cool-off bandanas, popsicles and other measures consistent with the guidelines for heat stress, including extra break times during a heat wave.

It also agrees to maintain the Pay Equity Plan and add a “no harassment” clause. Language has been added to clarify how seniority relates to transfers, postings & layoffs and overtime allocation.

The safety shoe allowance ranges between $95 and $140 annually, depending on job classification. New reimbursement options help facilitate the purchase of more expensive shoes. The contract also provides for a $200 – $240 tool reimbursement for designated classifications plus uniforms for extrusion operators and winter coats for specified groups requiring them.

Members at Strudex Fibres produce and colour yarn for carpet manufacturing.

Union Negotiating Committee: Gerry Clark, Donna Cybulskie, Maria Ferreira, Sherrylea Walker, and Union Reps Angus Locke and Wendy Absolom.