Port Colborne JBL members ratify significant wage increases and numerous language improvements

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September 28, 2023

The members in Port Colborne employed at Jungbunzlauer (JBL) ratified a three-year agreement on August 29, 2023. All classifications will receive increases of 18% amounting to between $4.65 – $7.04 per hour over the three-year term.

There will be a retention bonus in each year as follows: Year 1 – $1000, Year 2 – $500 and Year 3 – $500. The Packaging employees will all be reclassified to the Packaging Technician position which will help to alleviate call ins for maintenance, and there will be a special wage adjustment of $1.00 per hour for Packaging Employees effective September 4, 2023 over and above the general wage increase.

Benefit improvements include an increase to the short-term disability benefit maximum from $1000 to $1250. Vision care allowance will increase by $150. The per visit cap will be removed and the yearly maximum will be increased to $650.00 for Chiropractor, Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy. The co-pay for drugs will be removed and the employer RRSP match will increase from 2% to 4% in year one.

Other language improvements include:

  • Overtime paid after 8 hours in a day or 12 hours in a day based on regular day.
  • Maintenance On call – amend from every 3 weeks, to every 4 weeks.
  • Maintenance Tool allowance increase from $400 to $650.
  • Increase bereavement from three days to five days for parent including legal guardian, brother and sister.
  • Time to reach vacation entitlement for the 5th week decreased from 20 years to 18 years.
  • Stat Lieu days can be taken at any time up to the end of the year.
  • Break up Lieu Day into 2 equal parts.
  • Increase milage from 46 cents/km to 61 cents/km.
  • Increase Floater days by 1 to 3 total.
  • Increase Sick days by 1 to 4 total.
  • If a worker is required to work more than two hours past their end time, a meal allowance will be provided at $15.00.
  • It will be required to move posted members into the new job class within three months, or they will receive the higher rate of pay.
  • Steward to be present during investigatory meetings.
  • Limit on agency work up to three months, and workers will pay Union dues.
  • Supply Chief Steward with computer, filing cabinet and office space.
  • New member orientation of up to 30 minutes paid.
  • Double the contributions to the UFCW Training & Education Fund to $800 per year.

Union negotiating committee: Dave Grano, Granco Tamburri, Robert Yellow. Union Representative: Jason Hanley.


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

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