Retail grocery members at Carmody’s YIG ratify

On May 22, 2026, the 89 retail grocery workers at Carmody’s Your Independent Grocer (YIG) in Ottawa ratified a new Union collective agreement.

In this new agreement, the Union Negotiating Committee secured health and welfare benefits for part-time employees for the first time. Those part-time employees who are eligible will now benefit from a drug plan, vision care coverage, and life insurance.

Wages for full-time employees at or above end rate will increase by a total of $4.50 per hour over the life of the agreement. Those full-time at end rate will also receive a $500 signing bonus.

Part-time clerks at the end rate or above will move onto a Minimum Wage Plus (MW+) $1 grid when the provincial MW+ $1 rate exceeds their current hourly rate. Part-time at end rate also receive a signing bonus of $300. Those part-time employees on the MW+ grid will receive a signing bonus of $100. A MW+ grid ensures that no worker’s hourly pay falls behind the minimum rate set by the government.

Members also benefit from an increase to their safety boot allowance, which is now $125 for both full and part-time employees, and members may now wear Union buttons while on duty.

Bereavement language now provides three days’ paid leave for the death of a grandchild.

Union Negotiating Committee: Franca Johnston, Marissa Speek-Jiampa, and Union Representative Kim Hunter.

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