Benefits rise, wages hiked, RRSP contributions boosted: UFCW
United Food and Commercial Workers Canada (UFCW), Local 175 members at J.H. McNairn in Whitby, Ont., achieved a new four-year agreement on Oct. 4.
The 95 full-time employees at the J.H. McNairn facility will see increases of $0.60 per hour in each of the first three years. In the fourth year, rates increase by $0.70 per hour. In addition, employees will receive a training premium of $0.50 per hour. The weekend-warrior crew will now be paid at 36 hours instead of 30. The contract also includes language to ensure rates stay ahead of minimum wage based on seniority, said the union.
The employer’s rate of matching RRSP contributions for employees increases to 4.24 per cent in year one, 4.5 per cent in year two, and five per cent in years three and four. Employees benefit from an improved allowance of $250 per year for personal protective equipment. The shoe allowance increases to $200 as well. Mechanics each receive 10 arc flash t-shirts, said UFCW.
Employees will receive two paid personal-emergency-leave days as well as two paid personal days per year, said the union.
The contract includes several improvements to the members’ health and welfare benefits. This includes increased eye wear coverage to $500, increased orthotics coverage to $300, and paramedical services is now covered up to $500. Life insurance is now $50,000 and the employer will pay for the life insurance premiums, said UFCW.
Language improvements also include a reduction of the probation period to 90 days, said the union.
