Massine’s workers in Ottawa ratify new contract

Deal includes $500, $250 lump-sum payments: UFCW 175

Massine’s workers in Ottawa ratify new contract
The employer agreed to guarantee the existing full-time jobs for the duration of the agreement as well, said the union. GOOGLE STREET VIEW

More than 190 retail grocery employees at Massine’s Your Independent Grocer (YIG) in Ottawa secured a new collective agreement on Sept. 18.

In this set of negotiations, YIG workers’ concerns included dealing with minimum wage and the existing wage grid. The negotiating committee achieved a new wage grid for part-time employees that ensures rates always stay ahead of the minimum wage, said the United Food and Commercial Workers union (UFCW).

The part-time end rate will improve by $0.60 per hour as of ratification. The rate will increase by another $0.20 per hour over the remainder of the contract even if minimum wage goes up. Part-time staff also receive a lump-sum payment of $250 following ratification, said the union.

Full-time employees receive wage increases totaling $1 per hour over the term of the contract, with a $500 lump sum in year two. In addition, full-time staff also receive a $500 lump sum following ratification, said UFCW.

The employer agreed to guarantee the existing full-time jobs for the duration of the agreement as well, said the union.

Night-shift premiums improve to $1 per hour, up from $0.90 per hour. Plus, the premium for the night-crew lead increases to $45 per week, up from $35, said UFCW.

Starting in January 2019, full-time employees will benefit from a new RRSP program. Previously, the employer contributed a flat amount of $300 per year for each employee. Going forward, the employer will match $0.15 per hour worked for those with between two to five years’ service. Employees with five to 10 years of service receive matching payments of $0.20 per hour worked. Lastly, those with 10 years of service or more will see the employer match $0.25 per hour worked toward their RRSP, said the union.

Optical coverage increases by $25 to provide $175 every two years. The part-time boot allowance improves to $95 every year, instead of every other year. Bereavement entitlement now provides more paid days off for the death of a sibling as well, said UFCW.

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