Higher wages, better meal allowances, boosted boot levies all part of deal: UFCW
United Food and Commercial Workers Canada (UFCW), Local 175 members working at Canada Malting in Thunder Bay, Ont., ratified a new collective agreement on Jan. 16.
As per the new agreement, employees will receive wage increases of $2.03 per hour over the three-year term. The lead-hand rate will increase to $1 per hour, up from $0.50 per hour, said the union.
Additionally, members will receive a $15 meal allowance if working more than two years of unplanned overtime continuous with the regular shift. As well, the employer will pay an improved safety-boot allowance of $200 per year, up from $150, according to UFCW.
The committee was also able to achieve new language regarding 12-hour shift work, as well as new language that includes zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimization in the workplace. Other language improvements provide a paid day off for a parent upon the birth of their child. Lastly, members classified as maintenance employees will receive a market rate wage adjustment of $1 per hour in the first year, plus $0.50 per hour in the second and third year of the agreement, said the union.
Canada Malting is the largest malt company in Canada, producing more than 400,000 tonnes of malt per year for breweries and distilleries around the world.
