Raises, signing bonuses included in agreement: UFCW
United Food and Commercial Workers Canada (UFCW), Local 175 members working at CapsCanada in Tecumseh, Ont., ratified their first collective agreement on Oct. 20.
The employees at CapsCanada manufacture gelatin and hypromellose capsules used for medicines and pharmaceuticals in over 60 countries.
The four-year contract includes a number of improvements over the workers' previous employment conditions. Members on the negotiating committee achieved new language ensuring that overtime is now voluntary, with the elimination of on-call shifts. As well, they secured the ability to take up to four weeks' vacation at one time, said the union.
Workers will receive a two per cent increase as of the date of ratification, plus subsequent increases of 1.75 per cent in each of the following three years of the contract term. In addition, all active employees will receive signing bonuses ranging from $400 to $600. Employees who receive promotions will receive a 50 cent per hour increase after 30 days while they progress through the wage grid, according to UFCW.
Sick days increase to two per year plus one personal day, and no doctor's note will be required until an employee is absent two days in a row. Vision care improves to provide $220 in coverage, up from $200, every two years. The boot allowance increases to $100, and all new mechanics receive a new $100 tool allowance following ratification. Additional language ensures a dishwash and mechanic tool kit will be available in each plant.
Members now receive up to five weeks of paid vacation per year for those with 12 years of service or more. Bereavement leave improves as well to provide three days — instead of one — for the death of a grandparent. New language addresses swiping out for start of shifts and provides guidelines for being late from breaks, said the union.
