Lococo’s members ratify new four-year agreement

Recently, members at Lococo’s in Hamilton ratified a new collective agreement.

Through this round of bargaining with Lococo’s, the Union Negotiating Committee focused on achieving a good agreement with improvements to wages, hours of work, scheduling language, and more.

As a result of the Committee members’ hard work, the ratified agreement contains new prohibitions on management performing bargaining unit work. This means that Lococo’s members will not lose hours or income because of management performing work that should be done by employees.

In addition, members will benefit from a new 48-month minimum wage grid. This grid includes raises of 25 cents per hour every six months. Following ratification, employees will be placed on the grid based on their seniority. This will result in an immediate minimum raise of 25 cents per hour, and for most employees it will result in raises ranging from 50 cents up to $1.50 per hour. Plus, the previous student wage grid has been eliminated.

Long service employees at Lococo’s will benefit from a bonus paid annually for those with 10 years of service or more.

New language ensures employees receive overtime pay for working more than 40 hours per week and more than eight hours per day, excluding their paid lunch.

Language improves to provide new designations for part-time and full-time work. Additionally, new full-time scheduling provides five consecutive days, a preference for day shifts, and a guarantee they won’t be required to work more than three weekends in a calendar month. Layoff and recall language now ensures the layoff process begins with probationary employees.

New benefits entitlement will provide 100% coverage for those employees with 10 years of service with the company. Members also benefit from an increase to their health spending account which is now at $400 per year. A new vision plan will now provide $250 in coverage as well. In addition, members will continue to receive benefit coverage while on layoff.

Bereavement entitlement improves to provide five paid days’ leave for the death of an immediate family member. Members also benefit from an additional personal day.

Further language provides Stewards with time to meet with new hires at the workplace. The employer also agreed to increase its annual contribution to the Local 175 Training & Education Fund to $750, up from $500.

The four-year agreement covers 46 Unionized workers at Lococo’s. Members ratified the agreement at a drive-thru outdoor vote on January 31, 2021.

Union Negotiating Committee: Alvena Francis, Sonja Moore, Wendy Oakes, Union Rep Virginia Haggith, and Region 4 Director, John Di Nardo.

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