Members at Fearmans secure new agreement
May 13, 2019
On May 10, the membership at Fearmans in Burlington secured a new collective agreement.
Through this round of bargaining, the Fearmans Union Negotiating Committee and the employer met in conciliation. The Union Negotiating Committee wanted to achieve an agreement which contained initial wage improvements to make the rates at the plant competitive, as well as benefit improvements.
In the first year, wages will increase for Class 1 through 5 by 75 cents per hour. Subsequent across-the-board increases total $1.80 over the remainder of the life of the contract. Fearmans’ members will also benefit from improvements to the boot and tool allowances. In addition, several employees were reclassified and, as a result, will receive an additional wage adjustment of 40 cents per hour. Plus, the committee achieved better language when it comes to Saturday work paid at time and a half.
Benefits improve to provide enhanced Life and AD&D insurance of $50,000, up from $40,000. Vision care coverage now covers $250, up from $200, and workers will also now receive 100% coverage, up to $300 per year, for physiotherapy costs.
Bereavement language now includes two additional paid days’ leave.
Currently, the Fearmans plant employs 966 full-time Unionized workers covered by this collective agreement.
Union Negotiating Committee: Plant Chair John Smukavich, Chief Steward Alan Reston, WSIB Co-Chair Nelson Pereira, Jonathan Mangadap, Rui Valentim, and Union Rep Mike Mattioli.
Check out this feature on Fearmans Steward Richard White and his work to raise money for the community.
Fearmans WSIB Co-Chair Nelson Pereira won an Outstanding Membership Achievement Award for his Health & Safety/WSIB work in 2018. Read about him here.
Recent negotiation updates from across UFCW Locals 175 & 633 can be found here.
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