Cargill Watson members ratify a new collective agreement  

On October 6, 2021 the members at Cargill- Watson Foods in Guelph ratified a new five-year deal. There will be across the board wage increases as follows: date of ratification $1.00/hr and $0.85 retroactive from January 3, 2021, January 1, 2022 – $0.50, January 1, 2023 – $0.45, January 1, 2024 – $0.45, January 1, 2025 – $0.50.

In addition to the above annual increases there will be wage adjustments on the date of ratification of:

• Class# 0 – $2.00 per hour
• Class# 1 – $1.50 per hour
• Class# 2 – $0.75 per hour
• Maintenance $3.30 per hour
• Lead Hands – $ 2.00 above rates of pay
• Skidders – $1.00 per hour
• Laundry Attendant – $0.60 per hour
• Dry Goods – $0.60 per hour
• Steak & Chop trim – reclass to Cutter $3.10 per hour
• Lid Stock Operator – to Class #2 $ 2.40 per hour

The dental plan coverage will see an increase of $1,500 to $2,000 per year per family member. The lifetime cap will be removed for Bridges, Crowns & Dentures and will now provide 60% reimbursement up to the $2,000 max per year for Bridges, Crowns and Dentures. Vision coverage will have the family cap of $1000 removed.

The tool allowance increases from $450 to $475 and bereavement day entitlement will increase from 4 to 5 paid days. The contribution to the training and education fund will increase annually to $1800 up from $1000.

Union negotiating committee: Stephanie Banks, Art Gier, Corey Johnson, Dale Rowbatham. Union Representative: Sam Caetano, Regional Director: Rob Nicholas.

See more negotiation updates from the industrial food sector, including beverage production.

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