MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 22, 2023 (Globe Newswire) — Unionized retail food at Loblaws Great Foods, Real Canadian Superstores and There’s Great Foods stores across Ontario. Approximately 26,000 store workers have ratified a historic, industry-leading collective bargaining agreement.
Negotiations for a new agreement began in November between United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Locals 175 & 633 and Local 1006A, and Loblaw Companies.
The ratified agreement secures historic improvements for unionized workers at 121 stores in Ontario.
“This industry-leading agreement in the grocery retail sector is the best in decades,” said Wayne Hanley, president of UFCW 1006A. “We faced intense and difficult negotiations, but with the strong support and participation of our members, we were able to achieve an unprecedented level of improvement for our members in the grocery industry.”
“UFCW continues to set the standard for grocery store workers across Ontario with agreements that include significant benefits for full-time and part-time workers,” said Sean Haggerty, president of UFCW Local 175. . “Our union committee has worked relentlessly to ensure our members’ voices and concerns are heard, and this agreement immediately guarantees significant increases for our members. .”
Full-time workers will receive an increase of $4.60 per hour over the life of the contract. The department manager will receive her $4.95 per hour increase for the duration of the contract. The department head and full-time will also receive a $1,000 lump sum and retroactive salary starting October 1, 2023. Full-time is also guaranteed employment throughout the contract period, with job guarantee language.
Senior part-time employees who received a $0.65 per hour increase in October 2023 will receive an additional $3.70 per hour increase for the duration, for a total of $4.35 per hour, and a $1.50 per hour increase for the first seven months. Additionally, Locals 175, 633, and 1006A are the only organizations in the industry to negotiate contract language that protects both full-time and part-time members from wage increases associated with minimum wage increases.
Over the course of the five-year agreement, full-time grocery store workers will earn an estimated $36,000 more.
Full-time benefits have also been significantly improved. Part-time also has improved language around schedule availability and time off protection. Improved bereavement leave and customer abuse protection for all members.
Members had the opportunity to vote for Locals 175 and 633 from Dec. 13-16, 2023, and for Local 1006A from Dec. 19-22, 2023.
UFCW Locals 175 & 633 represent more than 70,000 union members across Ontario, including approximately 42,000 retail workers at Loblaw, Metro and Sobeys banner stores. In addition, UFCW Locals 175 & 633 have thousands of members working in industry, health care, hospitality, manufacturing, packaging plants, and other fields.
With 42,000 members, UFCW 1006A is one of Ontario’s largest private sector local unions active in a variety of sectors across Canada. We are Ontario’s leading grocery association, and our members work at Loblaws Great Food and Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills, Your Independent Grocers, Valu-mart and Organic Garage. We support fairness, equality and justice in our workplaces and communities.
UFCW Canada is the leading union for food and retail workers, representing 250,000 workers across Canada.
Media inquiries: communication@ufcw1006a.ca or media@ufcw175.com.
