Members at Canteen of Canada ratify

At Canteen of Canada (Compass Group) in Cambridge, there are 28 full-time employees who belong to the Union.

These members ratified a new collective agreement on October 22, 2019.

This vote followed a round of bargaining that required the assistance of a Conciliation Officer to address an impasse between the parties when it came to wage rates and weekend work.

The agreement achieved by the Union Negotiating Committee includes increases in each year of the contract. All employees receive a raise of 2.5% in the first year and in the second year as well. In year three, all employees on the progression grid receive 2.5% and those at the top rates receive 3%. In addition, a new weekend shift premium provides $1.50 per hour on top of an employee’s regular rate.

A new Incentive Pay program, the details of which are still to be determined, will apply to all routes. The employer also agreed that no more than four of the existing routes will be converted to weekend work.

Improvements include new member orientation language and a one-day paid leave of absence for Stewards. Going forward, employees will no longer be required to provide a medical note to prove illness for absences of three days or less. The agreement is now gender-neutral throughout as well.

Lastly, the employer will contribute $600 to the UFCW Local 175 Training & Education Fund. This money provides funding to train Stewards and Members.

Union Negotiating Committee: Terry Neil and Union Rep Jason Hanley.

Have you signed up to receive monthly e-newsletters from Your Union? Get your name on the list here.

Read updates from across all sectors represented by UFCW Local 175.

Plus, make sure you’re following us on social media too! Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!