Minute Maid beverage workers ratify

Minute Maid industrial food workers in Peterborough ratify wage increases; numerous language improvements and gains with new contract.

The membership working at the Minute Maid Company Canada Inc. in Peterborough ratified a four-year agreement on September 6, 2025.

Wages for the members will increase 10.5% over the term of the collective agreement, with the first increase retroactive to expiry. The night shift premium will increase to $1.15/hour and there will be an increase to maintenance on call (cellphone) pay to $50 for each eight-hour period or $75 for twelve hours. There will also be a signing bonus paid of $1,500.00.  

Workers have the ability to participate in KO Shares (Coca Cola) program, with the employer matching up to $2,000 per year.

Benefit improvements include:

• Parental leave top up to 100% for the first 8 weeks.
• Improved sick days for temporary employees who transfer to full time to seven days.  
• Psychotherapist included in covered practitioners.
• Fertility treatment coverage.
• Extended health coverage for serious illnesses.
• Virtual physiotherapist service coverage.

Language improvements and gains include:

• Maintenance tool allowance increases to $350.
• The employer will cover the cost of maintenance ticket/license.
• Enhanced severance of six weeks on top of what is included in the contract for employees affected by the frozen lay off.
• Voluntary retirement package for any member over 60 years old, with an increase to the maximum overall severance payment of 52 weeks.
• The boot allowance will increase to $225 per year, and temporary employees now have the same entitlement to boot allowance as permanent full-time.
• Members now have the ability to carry over three bereavement days for 1 year.
• The punch in protocol that limited hours paid to six-minute units was eliminated.
• The employer will cover 50% of the costs associated with printing of the collective agreement.
• The probation period for temporary employees is reduced to 640 hours from 960.
• Improved language for the requirements of safety footwear to provide more choice.
• A seven-day continental shift pattern was negotiated for Waste Water Dept.
• The employer has committed to cross train additional employees to provide better vacation coverage.
• Maintenance wage review language was negotiated.
• Recall notices will be emailed to the members’ personal email in addition to being mailed.
• Additional $250 will be contributed by the employer to the Training and Education Fund.

Union negotiating committee: Corey Condon, Terry Preston, Steve Scott, and Andy Waudby. Union representative: Ricardo Bocanegra.

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