Locals 175 & 633 In The News

Collective Agreements

Anniversary Updates

Access Alliance members achieve wellness benefit and other improvements

Local 175 members at the Access Alliance Multicultural Community Health Centre in Toronto ratified a new three-year contract at a meeting held May 17, 2007. The approximately 25-member bargaining unit benefits from improved vacation entitlement, a new wellness benefit, flex scheduling language and other improvements.

• Full-time workers receive $375 per year, up from $275, toward staff development.

• Each year, workers receive $150 as a Wellness Benefit that can be used toward the cost of things such as spa fees, exercise equipment etc. Expenses occurred between January 1 and March 31, 2007 will also be eligible for reimbursement.

• Vacation entitlement improves to 25 days per year, accumulated at 2.08 days per month, for workers with between 9 and 20 years of service. Effective January 1, 2008, those with 20 years of service or more receive 30 days or 2.5 days per month.

• Workers may also carry over a maximum of 15 days vacation into the next year.

• The employer will reimburse workers for air time used on their personal cell phones when used in the course of their duties as approved by their manager.

• New language proposes a trial run for flex scheduling that would see the employees self-assess their own schedule and meet with the manager for approval.

• Other language provides for overtime pay and a new letter of understanding provides job security, based on seniority and ability to perform the required work, in the event the emloyer moves its operation to a new location.

Union Negotiating Committee: Helen De Oliveira, Celia Fernandes, Thuy Tran and Union Rep Fernando Reis.

Company’s final offer ratified by ADM Milling members

At a ratification meeting held May 7, 2007, the 15 members of the bargaining unit at ADM Milling in Mississauga voted to accept the company’s final offer. The approved three-year contract includes the following improvements:

• Wages increase by 3 per cent retroactive to February 25, 2007. Subsequent increases are 2 per cent in both the second and third year of the contract term.

• Shift differentials increase to 65 cents per hour, up from 60 cents, for the 2nd shift and to 75 cents per hour, up from 70 cents, for the 3rd shift.

• Pension benefits increase to $30 per month per year of service effective February 1, 2008 and to $31 per month per year of service on February 1, 2009. Additionally, company matching contributions to the workers’ RRSP stock purchase plan increase to a maximum of 4 per cent.

• Life Insurance and AD&D coverage each increase to $30,000.

• The safety shoe allowance increase to $100, up from $75.

Union Negotiating Committee: Fernando Pimental, Carlos Travassos and Union Rep Paul Jokhu.

Briton House members achieve new contract

The 120 Local 175 members working at the Briton House in Toronto ratified a new three-year collective at a meeting held May 30, 2007.

• All wages and classifications increase by 2.75 per cent in each year with the first increase retroactive to November 18, 2006.

• Full-time and part-time vision care coverage improves by $25 to $150 every 24 months and eye exams are covered up to $80 every 24 months.

• Pension contributions increase to 60 cents per hour as of January 1, 2008, and 65 cents per hour effective January 1, 2009.

• Vacation entitlement improved in two categories: All employees now get three weeks vacation after four years of service, up from 5 years. Effective June 1, 2007, employees receive six weeks at 12 per cent pay for those with 24 years or more of seniority.

• Full-time health and welfare contributions increase to $166 by the final year of the contract. Employer contributions for part-time workers’ benefits increase to 46 cents per hour over the duration of the agreement.

• Language improvements cover: unused sick days being paid out at 100 per cent; improved definitions of hours of work; improved bereavement leave; and an improved uniform allowance of $115, up from $110, effective date of ratification and $120 effective November 18, 2008.

Union Negotiating Committee: Christine Pascal, Val Spencer, Maria Desumala, Lilia Ferrer and Union Rep John Di Falco.

Coca-Cola workers secure wage and benefit improvements in new contract

On May 27, 2007, the 84 members at the Coca-Cola Bottling facility in Barrie approved a new collective agreement, which brings the following improvements.

• Wages increase by between $2 and $2.60 per hour with the first increase retroactive to January 1, 2007.

• Life Insurance increases to $40,000, up from $35,000 and Weekly Income Benefits improve to $600, up from $500.

• The maximum monthly benefit for Long-Term Disability is now $2,400, up from $2,000.

• Company contributions to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) increase by a total of 42 cents per hour.

• A new tool allowance provides every Equipment Service worker up to $240 per year toward the purchase of tools necessary for that position.

• Improved language outlines a system of accumulating points toward uniform items for both inside and outside workers and other changes improve job security related to technological changes made by the company.

• New language establishes the position of Sales Equipment Trainee as part of the wage scale.

• The company will contribute 4 cents per hour per worker to the Local 175 training and education fund.

Union Negotiating Committee: Marc Brunelle, Chris Warnaar, Scott Woodland and Union Rep Rob Nicholas.

Coca-Cola workers in Ottawa achieve improved new contract

The approximately 88 Local 175 members working at Coca-Cola Bottling in Ottawa secured a new three-year collective agreement at a meeting held May 6, 2007.

• Wages increase by 35 cents per hour in the first year, 40 cents per hour in the second year and 40 cents per hour in the final year of the contract.

• Workers receive a signing bonus of $300.

• Retroactive pay of 59 cents per hour includes hours worked between December 1, 2006 and May 7, 2007.

• Health & Welfare improvements, effective December 2007, include:

  • Short-Term Disability (STD) increases to $600 per week, up from $500.

  • Long-Term Disability (LTD) increases to $2,400 per month, up from $2,200.

  • Life Insurance increases to $50,000, up rfom $35,000.

  • New Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) provides coverage of $100,000.

• Any medical documents required by the company will be paid for by the company.

• Vacation language improvements guarantee an increase in the number of workers that can leave at the same time during the summer period.

• Workers receive an improved tool allowance of $240, up from $180, and a safety shoe aloowance of $125, up from $90, which increases again to $135 in December 2008.

• Company contributions to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) increase by 45 per cent.

• The week following a layoff, workers may make up lost hours.

• Severance pay, offered to most senior employees first, provides two weeks pay per year of service up to 72 weeks.

• Members will participate in a payroll deduction program to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC)

Union Negotiating Committee (left to right): John Stewart, Doug Kowal, Eastern Regional Director Dan Lacroix, Union Rep Daniel Mericer, Normand Lacroix and Serge Leblanc.

Thunder Bay Coca-Cola members ratify new deal

At a ratification meeting held May 31, 2007, members at Coca-Cola Bottling in Thunder Bay approved a new collective agreement. The contract includes:

• All inside and outside workers receive wage increases of 2 per cent retroactive to May 1, 2007, and an additional 7.25 per cent over the course of the rest of the contract term.

• The merchandiser rate, previously $11.50 per hour, is now $16.50 per hour.

• Safety footwear allowance increases to $175.

• Language improvements cover lay off and bumping rights, and call out.

• Workers receive two floaters days per year, up from one.

Union Negotiating Committee: Paul Meunier, Ivan Pellerin and Union Rep Colby Flank.

Walfoods Compass Group workers vote in favour of new contract

The new three-year contract for members at Compass Group, working at General Dynamics in London, was ratified at a meeting held May 16, 2007.

• Wages increase by 37 cents per hour effective May 1, 2007, 35 cents per hour as of May 1, 2008 and 35 cents per hour effective May 1, 2009.

• Vision care coverage increases to $200 plus $50 for an eye exam.

• Contributions to the UFCW Trusteed Dental Plan increase by 1 cent per year.

• Workers benefit from increased life insurance, a new sick day per year and a new allowance for slip-resistant shoes.

Union Negotiating Committee: Lisa Trentor and Union Rep Wendy Absolom.

Local 175 health care workers at Crown Ridge achieve new contract

Workers at Trenton’s Crown Ridge Place Nursing Home voted unanimoulsy in favour of a new three-year collective agreement securing wage and other improvements. The approximately 70 bargaining unit members attended a ratification meeting on May 3 2007.

The contract includes important new Health & Safety language addressing workload, which is an issue of particular concern for health care workers.

• All rates and classifications receive increases of 2.5 per cent in each year of the agreement term.

• A new shift premium adds 10 cents per hour, effective retroactive to April 1, 2007, to those working the weekend shift. This amount increases to 15 cents per hour in the second year and 20 cents per hour in the third.

• Company contributions to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) increase by 8 cents per hour over the life of the contract.

• Both the dental and health plans improve and workers now receive the day of funeral off without loss of pay for the death of a niece or nephew.

• Workers with 30 years of service or more receive seven weeks vacation at 14 per cent pay.

• The contract includes new Christmas and New Year scheduling language.

• The company will contribute $250 per year toward the Training & Education Fund.

Union Negotiating Committee: Sylvia Leckey, Faye Lemmermeyer, Hollie Rodd and Union Rep Marilyn Lang.

Erin Mills health care members approve compensation improvements

On May 29, 2007, health care workers at Erin Mills Nursing Home voted in favour of a new three-year contract. The 84 Local 175 members achieved the following improvements:

• Each classification receives wage increases between 40 cents and $1.20 per hour in each year of the agreement term.

• Dental contributions increase by 1 cent per hour in each year of the contract.

• Payment in lieu of benefits improves to 7.5 per cent as of January 1, 2008 and 8 per cent effective January 1, 2009.

• Company contributions to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) increase by a total of 5 cents per hour over the course of the contract.

Union Negotiating Committee: Lurline Brown, Val Turner , Agnes Villanueva, Marcia Williams and Union Rep Dan Serbin.

Workers at Kenora Extra Foods reach new deal

At a meeting held May 9, 2007, the more than 50 bargaining unit members at Extra Foods in Kenora ratified a new contract including the following highlights.

• Those members hired after June 1, 1995, receive wage increases of 20 cents per hour in each year covered by the agreement.

• Workers hired before June 1, 1995 receive lump sum payments over the course of the agreement totalling $1,200 for full-time and $750 for part-time. Both full and part-time receive an increase of 20 cents per hour in the final year of the contract term.

• Workers receive a signing bonus of 20 cents per hour, for hours worked between the Saturday prior to ratification and June 2, 2006.

• Dental plan contributions increase by a total of 6 cents over the life of the contract.

• Company contributions to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP) increase.

• New language recognizes the joint responsibility of workers and the employer to accommodate injured workers including modified work or reassignment where practical.

• Other new language improves bereavement leave entitlement.

Union Negotiating Committee: Tricia Cameron, Ryan Weldon and Union Rep David Noonan.

Three-year agreement for workers at Goderich Elevators

On May 30, 2007, the 14 members at Goderich Elevators secured a new three-year contract that includes the following improvements:

• All rates and classifications receive wage increases of 50 cents per hour retroactive to April 1, 2007, 60 cents per hour as of April 1, 2008, and 65 cents per hour effective April 1, 2009.

• Effective April 1, 2007, the employer will contribute $1.35 per hour worked to the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP).

• Life Insurance increases to $75,000 by the end of the contract term and effective August 1, 2007, the dispensing fee coverage for prescription drugs increases to $9, up from $7. This amount increases to $10 on August 1, 2009.

• Coverage for glasses and contact lenses increases to $250 in the second year of the contract and $300 in the third year.

• The workers’ allowance for purchasing safety shoes increases to $100 per year, up from $75. Maintenance and Operators receive $100 per year toward work clothing purchases.

• New progressive language covers discipline and steward representation.

Union Negotiating Committee: Perry Wood, Steve Maize, Daryle Ward, and Union Rep Roy Reed.

North Park Nursing Home staff approve contract improvements

The more than 50 health care workers at the North Park Nursing Home in North York reached an agreement with the company on a new three-year contract. The agreement, ratified May 2, 2007, includes the following improvements:

• General wages increase by 2.5 per cent in each year.

• Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) receive an additional adjustment of 40 cents per hour in each of the three years.

• Effective April 1, 2009, workers receive a premium for weekend work of 8 cents per hour.

• Dental plan contributions increase by 1 cent per hour in each year.

• Workers benefit from improved pension contributions.

• Sick leave maximum accumulation increases to 14 days, up from 12.

• Improved language covers bereavement, discharge and scheduling part-time shifts.

Union Negotiating Committee: Eddie Khumalo, Beverly Philips, Miranda Roberts, Eunice Smith and Union Rep Dan Serbin.

Retail grocery workers at Ross’ YIG reach deal with company

On May 6, 2007, the 70 members at Ross’ YIG in Nepean ratified a new two-year contract with wage and other improvements:

• Full-time workers receive an increase of 30 cents per hour in each year of the contract.

• Part-time staff receive wage increases of 25 cents per hour in each of the three years and there is a new part-time wage scale resolving the minimum wage increase.

• Premiums increase to 95 cents per hour for night crew and there is a new shift premium of 35 cents per hour for those working in the office or as a supervisor.

• The company will match RRSP payments for full-time workers up to an improved maximum of $550 per year.

• Workers receive an improved safety shoe allowance.

• New language improves bereavement entitlement and reduces the number of evenings full-time employees must work.

Union Negotiating Committee: Debbie Hackenschmidt, Franca Johnson and Union Reps Jacques Niquet and Simon Baker.

Military family resource workers approve contract

On May 10, 2007, the 30 Local 175 members at Trenton Military Family Resource Centre ratified a new contract. The three-year agreement contains the following improvements:

• Wages increase by up to $1.73 per hour over the life of the contract.

• Pension contributions improve by 12 cents over the agreement term.

• Bereavement leave language improves to include step-siblings.

• New language prevents non-bargaining unit employees from replacing a bargaining unit worker where it would directly result in the displacement, replacement, layoff or reduction in hours for a worker in the bargaining unit.

Union Negotiating Committee: Denise Currie, Debbie VanOoyen and Union Rep Marilyn Lang.

Health care workers at Victoria Retirement Living ratify

On May 22, 2007, members at Victoria Retirement Living in Cobourg met to ratify a new three-year collective agreement. The approximately 20-member bargaining unit secured the following achievements:

• Wages increase by 3 per cent in the first year and 2.75 per cent in each of the second and third year covered by the contract term.

• Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) receive an additional adjustment of $1 per hour over the term of the agreement.

• Afternoon shift premiums increase to 40 cents per hour, up from 25 cents.

• The company now co-pays 75 per cent of the drug plan premiums, up from the previous 70 per cent.

• Vision care coverage increases to $175, up from $120, and eye exams are now covered.

• Employer matching contributions to the workers’ pension plan increase to 2.75 per cent, up from 2.5 per cent.

• Part-time workers’ pay in lieu of benefits improves to 32 cents per hour from the previous 20 cents.

• Those workers entitled to four weeks or more of vacation per year may now take two weeks or more broken into single vacation days and the language regarding advance vacation pay requests has been clarified.

• Language provides three days bereavement leave, up from the previous two, for the death of an in-law parent. A new addition to this language provides two days off for the death of a daughter- or son-in-law and one day for the death of an aunt or uncle.

• The employer will contribute a lump sum payment of $350 to the Local 175 Training & Education Fund.

Union Negotiating Committee: Lisa Rooney, Connie Skinner and Union Rep Chris Fuller.