La Rocca members ratified a new agreement in December
January 4, 2016
On December 13, 2015, the 140 members working at La Rocca Creative Cakes in Richmond Hill achieved a new collective agreement after negotiations reached a point where a strike deadline had been set.
The ratified three-year agreement includes wage increases ranging from 1.6% to 2% in each year of the contract term, with red-circled employees receiving lump sums of $450 per year. An additional 22 employees will be hired bringing the total number of members at this facility to 162. New classifications include Sanitation, Machine Operator, and Maintenance Helper.
Language improvements provide scheduling for preferred start times based on seniority, and hours worked on a statutory holiday or paid sick time will count as time worked for the purpose of overtime. Employees benefit from short notice (two-week) vacation requests, and entitlement improves to provide five paid weeks after 20 years of service.
New language provides drivers working out of the Ottawa area with benefits and a wage rate of $18.10 per hour for a 30-hour workweek, with overtime payable after 30 hours in a week.
Members receive an improved boot allowance of $100, and the company will contribute $500 per year toward the UFCW Local 175 Training & Education Fund.
Union Negotiating Committee: Manuel Aragon, Mario Francomano, Hamed Kalhor, and Union Rep John DiNardo.
Catch up on all the negotiation highlights from across the province here.