CFB Trenton resource workers ratify new deal

Members of the bargaining unit at the Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, located at CFB Trenton, approved a new three-year collective agreement at a meeting held March 22, 2010. The 50 workers achieve the following contract improvements:

• Workers receive wage increases of between 5 per cent and 7 per cent over the term of the contract including:
• All rates and classifications receive 1 per cent as of April 10, 2010, 2 per cent in the second year and another 2 per cent in the third year.
• A new 72-month wage grid includes an additional 2 per cent increase for Levels 9 and 10 classifications.
• Part-time workers receive two discretionary days per year effective April 1, 2010. This increases to three days in year two and four days in the third year of the contract term.
• New language permits the use of bereavement entitlement within 30 days following the death.
• Workers receive an additional float day, which may be used for Family Day.
• Health and safety language improvements address the H&S Committee, training, inspections, injuries, stoppage of work, hazardous substances and injured workers.

Union Negotiating Committee: Megan Laprade, Elizabeth Nicholas and Union Rep Marilyn Lang.

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Newcastle grocery workers ratify

The 65 members working at the Newcastle Foodland (previously IGA) ratified a new collective agreement on March 21, 2010. The three-year deal includes wage and grid enhancements as well as other improvements:

• Full-time employees receive wage increases totalling $1.80 per hour over the course of the agreement and those full-time not already at the top rate will be accelerated to the top rate effective the date of ratification.
• Part-time workers with 5,000 hours or more receive lump sums over the term of the contract totalling $525.
• Part-time benefit from improved grid rates as well as an increase to the top rate of 20 cents per hour in each year of the contract term. The part-time grid improves to require 4,000 hours, down from 5,000, to reach the top rate.
• The cash office premium increases to 75 cents per hour, up from 50 cents.
• Those part-time workers with 10,000 hours of service now receive 8 per cent vacation pay.
• New language strengthens part-time scheduling provisions.
• Part-time workers now receive two 15-minute breaks for shifts of six hours or more.

Union Negotiating Committee: Fern Allison, Dylan Palmer and Union Rep Chris Fuller.

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Registered Nurses approve wage and other contract improvements

On March 10, 2010, the 16 Registered Nurses who make up the bargaining unit at Dr.’s Paul & John Rekai Centre and Wellesley Central Place in Toronto ratified a new two-year deal. The following improvements were secured in the new contract:

• Wages increase by approximately 6 per cent over the two-year term with improvements to shift premium pay as well.
• Improved health and welfare provisions include new hearing aid coverage, improved short-term disability and increased optical coverage.
• Improved health and safety language addresses safe employee workload and promotion of health and safety measures.
• Language improvements address grievance procedure, steward representation and enhanced representation during discipline meetings.
• Important new provisions state that violence that occurs in the workplace must be reported to the Union.
• The employer will contribute to the Local 175 Training & Education Fund.

Union Negotiating Committee: Glenda Idolor, Rhoda Viernes and Union Rep John DiFalco.

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Empire Maintenance workers approve three-year deal

The approximately 30 members of the Empire Maintenance bargaining unit have a new three-year collective agreement following a ratification vote held March 9, 2010.

• Wages increase by between 2 per cent and 5 per cent in each year of the contract term.
• Full-time employees with one year of service will now be entitled to four paid sick days per year. Part-time with one year of service and a minimum of 16 hours per week are eligible for two sick days per year.
• Family Day is now included as a paid holiday and new language provides two personal days leave per year for those employees with at least one year of service.
• Improved language addresses job filling and seniority.
• The company will contribute $250 per year toward the Local 175 Leukemia Fund.

Union Negotiating Committee: Raquel Ramirez and Union Rep Angela Mattioli.

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Bick’s workers approve three-year renewal contract

The more than 180 workers that make up the bargaining unit at Bick’s Pickles (Smuckers) in Dunnville, have secured a new three-year collective agreement. At a meeting held March 6, 2010, members voted to ratify the new deal, which includes the following improvements to wages and other contract language:

• Current full-time workers covered by Appendix A receive lump sum payments of $250 each year of the contract term.
• Those covered by Appendix B receive an annual increase of 1.5 per cent plus the $250 lump sum in each year with several classifications receiving an additional increase in the first year of between 56 cents and $1.01 per hour.
• Part-time benefits increase to $400, up from $300, which can be rolled over to a maximum of $800 at any one time.
• Dental plan coverage will correspond with current Ontario Dental Association (ODA) fees.
• Part-time workers are now eligible to participate in the pension plan and any part-time worker retiring within the term of the contract will remain eligible for a lump sum of $1,700.
• Employees attending company meetings or other work related activities as defined in the agreement receive pay at their regular rate or overtime rate if the hours exceed the normal workweek.
• Maintenance Department Tradesmen receive a tool allowance of $350 per year, up from $225, and all workers receive an annual safety shoe allowance of $175 per year, up from $130.
• Family Day has now been added as a paid holiday.
• Bereavement leave improves to provide five days, up from three, for the death of an immediate family member and three days, up from two, for other family members as defined in the agreement.
• Language improvements address seniority and shift preference, overtime and job filling.

Union Negotiating Committee: Wanda Dowling, Suzanne Glover, Joanne Hannigan, Dave MQuillen, Janie Terreberry and Union Rep Tim Deelstra.

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First contract for Fin-Aire workers

On March, 1, 2010, new members of UFCW Local 175 achieved their first collective agreement. The bargaining unit at Fin-Aire in Bloomfield ratified a four-year agreement establishing general contract language including provisions for seniority, grievances and arbitration and steward representation. In addition, the workers benefit from the following:

• All rates increase by 2 per cent in year one, 2 per cent in year two, 2.25 per cent in the third year and 2.75 per cent in the final year of the contract term.
• In addition to Statutory Holidays, each employee will receive one floater day per year, effective February 2012.
• Workers receive one day paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of their child.
• Bereavement entitlement provides three days paid leave for the death of an immediate family member and one day paid leave for the death of an in-law family member.
• The company will reimburse workers up to $75 per year for the purchase of safety boots.
• Employee health and welfare benefits will be maintained at the current level with no addition cost to the employees.
• Language addresses procedure for layoff, leaves of absence, health and safety provisions, hours of work and overtime,

Union Negotiating Committee: Gary Hawke and Union Rep Paul Hardwick.

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