Ratification at Sudbury Radisson

Hospitality workers at the Radisson Hotel in Sudbury have secured a new agreement.

After a number of previous attempts, the Union Negotiating Committee was able to have 35 Banquet staff included in the bargaining unit with this contract.

Employees receive raises of 2% in each year of the contract term. Plus, the first increase is retroactive for hours worked since August 19, 2017. Premiums for the night shift improve to $1 per hour, up from 50 cents. If/when minimum wage goes up to $15 per hour, members will receive a 2% increase on that $15 effective August 2019.

Workers will now have 48-hour notice of any shift cancellations. Full-time employees with at least one year of service receive one additional sick day per year, which brings their total to four. Vacation entitlement improves to provide four weeks after 10 years of service instead of the previous 11 years required. Bereavement language now includes step-children, stepparents, common law spouses, and same-sex partners.

The employees’ boot allowance increases to $200, up from $150, as of August 2019. Members also receive a new non-slip shoe allowance of $50, also effective in August 2019. ­The employer agreed to an increased rate of contribution toward the UFCW Local 175 Training & Education Fund as well. The amount is now 7 cents per hour per employee, up from 5 cents previously. In addition, the employer will now pay 50%, to a max of $300, of the cost to print agreements, plus 50% of the negotiating committee wages.

The three-year agreement covers 14 full-time and 35 part-time employees at the hotel, plus the 35 new Banquet staff. Members ratified the deal on April 3, 2018.

Union Negotiating Committee: Hailey Aubertin, Elaine Hyland, Randy Scott, Union Rep Derek Jokhu, and Region 8 Director Sandra Rogerson.