Ratified deal at Bunge Canada

The 80 workers at Bunge Canada in Hamilton met on October 29 to review a three-year agreement reached between their Union Negotiating Committee and the employer.

Wages increase by 1.75% in year one, 2.25% in year two and 2% in the third year. Shift premiums increase to 75 cents per hour for hours worked between 3 and 11 p.m, and 85 cents per hour for those who scheduled between 11 p.m. & 7 a.m. and between 7 p.m. & 7 a.m.

Workers assigned call-in cell phones will receive improved premium pay of $20 per weekday and $30 per Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Minimum call-in for work is four hours, paid at 1.5 times the regular rate between 3:30 p.m. and 11 p.m., and 2 times the regular rate between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Employer contributions to the pension plan increase over the course of the contract to a rate of $39 by the third year. Sick pay improves in each year of the contract term and workers will receive increased vision care coverage of $80 for an eye exam and $220 for glasses or contacts, per insured person, every two years. Dental coverage will be provided on the current ODA fee schedule.

Vacation entitlement improves to provide four weeks’ paid vacation after nine years of service. Those entitled to four weeks or more of vacation may take up to one of those weeks as single days.

Additionally, the employer will pay the cost of a doctor’s note if requested by the employer.

Union Negotiating Committee: Jeff Liang, Dennis Packham, Robert Schrock, Chuck Smith, and Union Rep Angela Mattioli.