Maple Lodge Farms ratifies

Maple Lodge Farms ratifies wage increases in each year along with benefit and language improvements in new collective agreement.

On February 10^th, 2024 members at Maple Lodge Farms in Mississauga/Brampton ratified a three-year agreement.

Members will see general wage increases in each year of the agreement of: Year 1 – $1.15, Year 2 – $0.70, and Year 3 – $0.70. Wage increases will be retroactive and there will be a $500 signing bonus for all active members. Plant 6 will receive a $.40 wage adjustment and all red circle wages will be renewed. Live Haul rates to be increased from $265 to Year 1 – $275, Year 2 – $280, and Year 3 – $285.

There are increases to the contribution rates members can contribute to the defined retirement savings plan, should they choose to do so, based on one of the following options: 30 cents per hour, 60 cents per hour, and 85 cents per hour per eligible employee to a maximum of 40 hours per week. There is also an increase to $0.85/hr worked that the Employer will contribute to this plan.

Language improvements include:

• Vision care allowance will be $350.00, including the ability to use a portion of it for eye exams.
• The dispensing fee coverage for medication will be  $7.50.  
• Dependent child life insurance coverage will be increased from $5,000 to $10,000.
• $50 increase for Chiropractor coverage.
• Increase the boot allowance to $240 for freezer employees and $185 for all other classifications.
• Under the new language, more members will be able to take vacation at the same time. There was also reduction to the “busy period” during the summer. This means members will be able to enjoy more time off during this time.
• Improved language on the use of third-party drivers to protect Union jobs.
• Inclusion of Plant 6 into the bargaining unit.
• Reduction of Sunset clause to 12 months.
• The company will communicate discipline within seven days.
• Members will have the ability to retain one bereavement day for a celebration of life event to be held within 12 months.
• Improvement to clothing allowance.
• Improvements to job posting and overtime language.

Union negotiating committee: Leah Alegre, Glen Avila, Noemi Dela Rea, Walter Gimenez, Joel Guerra, Larry Mann, Ryan Muscat, and Brian Veenstra. Union representatives: Ricardo Bocanegra and Rick Daudlin.

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

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