Wages, benefits, allowances all boosted in new deal: UFCW
Workers at Fearmans in Burlington, Ont., signed a new collective agreement On May 10.
Through this round of bargaining, the United Food and Commercial Workers union (UFCW) Canada, Locals 175 and 633 negotiating committee and the employer met in conciliation, said the union.
In the first year, wages will increase for class 1 through 5 by $0.75 per hour. Subsequent across-the-board increases total $1.80 over the remainder of the life of the contract, said UFCW.
Fearmans’ employees will also see an improvement to the boot and tool allowances. In addition, several employees were reclassified and will receive an additional wage adjustment of $0.40 per hour. The committee also achieved better language when it comes to Saturday work paid at time and a half, said the union.
Benefits will provide enhanced life and AD&D insurance of $50,000, up from $40,000. Vision-care coverage will cover $250, up from $200, and workers will also receive 100 per cent coverage, up to $300 per year, for physiotherapy costs, said UFCW.
Currently, the Fearmans plant employs 966 full-time unionized workers.
