Cancoil members ratify new agreement with numerous improvements
August 14, 2019
A number of issues were important to the membership at Cancoil Thermal Corporation during this round of bargaining.
The employer tends to request medical notes from employees fairly often. As a result, it was important to the Committee to negotiate compensation for these notes. The ratified deal includes language stating the employer will pay $25 toward the cost of a requested doctor’s note.
In addition, the Union Negotiating Committee members achieved the inclusion of a new Shipper/Receiver position to ensure work continues to be done by bargaining unit members. The committee negotiated to have the Union bulletin board relocated to a more visible position which will help members stay informed. The contract also includes provisions for a Union Office to be created in the plant by October 31, 2019.
In terms of wages, Production employees at Cancoil will receive an initial raise of 2.15% which will apply retroactively for hours worked since April 3, 2019. After the first year, raises for employees in this classification will be 2.15% in year two, 2.25% in year three, and another 2.25% in year four. Maintenance employees will receive an initial wage adjustment of $2 per hour, retroactive for hours worked since April 3, 2019, as well. Following this, employees classified as Maintenance will get increases of 2% in years two, three, and four.
All employees will receive a raise of 3% in the fifth year of the contract. In addition, shift premiums go up to 65 cents per hour immediately. The contract includes improved language regarding banked overtime as well.
Vision coverage improves to provide $180 per 24-month period for non-safety glasses. The plan will now cover up to $125 every 24 months for safety glasses. Employer contributions to the dental plan will go up by 1 cent per hour worked in each year of the contract. The employees at Cancoil will also benefit from increased contributions, up by 3 cents per hour, to their group RRSP.
Other monetary improvements include a better boot allowance of $90 per year and an increased clothing allowance of $95 per year.
Important language changes provide Stewards paid time to meet with new Cancoil employees. Vacation entitlement improves to provide an additional three paid days after 12 years of service. Bereavement language now allows employees to save a paid day of their leave for a later internment. The number of members to take part in the negotiating committee increases from two to three.
Lastly, the employer will pay $1,000 per year toward the UFCW Local 175 Training & Education Fund, which the Union uses to provide training to Stewards and Members.
The collective agreement covers 100 full-time employees at Cancoil in Kingston. Members ratified the renewal agreement at a vote held August 11, 2019.
Union Negotiating Committee: Markus Blaszak, Gary Garrison, and Union Rep Paul Hardwick.
Read recaps of recently ratified agreements for the members at UFCW Locals 175 & 633.
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