Improved language and compensation in ratified Western Waffles agreement

Recently, members of UFCW Local 175 employed at Western Waffles in Brantford achieved a new collective agreement that will see them through to July 1, 2023.

To resolve a few matters, the parties used the assistance of a Conciliation Officer before bringing the agreement to the members for their vote. The resulting three-year collective agreement, which members ratified on August 7, 2020, includes a number of improvements to compensation and other working conditions.

The Union Negotiating Committee achieved enhanced representation language for investigations and disciplinary meetings to better protect the members in these circumstances. In addition, the committee negotiated improved language covering job posting and filling which will enhance opportunities for members to bid on higher rated positions. This improvement includes important language to firm up some established past practices as well. Other significant changes include improvements to statutory holiday calculations, and improved bereavement entitlements.

Members will benefit from numerous monetary improvements. Premiums for training will increase to $1 per hour up from 75 cents. The Union Committee negotiated an improved footwear allowance which will now provide employees between $200 and $400 per year depending on their classification.

Wages will increase across the board by:

• 3% in year one;
• 3% in year two, and;
• 2% in year three.

Employees classified as Lead Hands or Subject Matter Experts will receive a wage adjustment of $1.50 per hour prior to the general increase. Those employees classified as Pre-Cool will receive wage adjustments of $1.23 per hour, and those classified as Mixer PTI will receive $1 per hour. Language improvements provide the Sanitation Weekend Crew 37.5 hours’ pay if they work their scheduled 34.5 hours.

Members will see an extra paid holiday in each year of the agreement term. Statutory holiday pay will now count as hours worked for overtime calculations. In addition, vacation pay will now count towards future vacation accrual.

Members will benefit from improved employer contribution-matching for their pensions. As of 2021, the employer will match 100% of the first 1% of employee contributions, and 50% of the next 2%. Previously, the employer matched only 50% of the first 3% of contributions. In terms of health and welfare benefits, the Union Negotiating Committee was able to maintain the status quo and resisted some costly concessions put forth by the employer.

The three-year collective agreement at Western Waffles provides coverage for the 360 full-time employees at the facility in Brantford, Ontario.

Union Negotiating Committee: Union Stewards Joy Abbott and Jordan Barber, Chief Steward Sherry Jackson, Chuck Marr from the Maintenance Department, and Union Representative Mike Mattioli.

Catch up on all the negotiation highlights from across the province here.

Plus, learn about the discounts and services available to you as a valued Member of the Union.

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