Gay Lea Brampton ratifies first collective agreement to secure wage increases, and language improvements, along with the protections and the benefits of being a unionized worker.

After 17 days in bargaining, the negotiating committee at Gay Lea Foods in Brampton achieved an impressive first collective agreement with a four-year term, that was ratified on April 16, 2025. These new members are happy to have a contract that outlines their working terms and conditions, and language that ensures equity amongst bargaining unit members.

This agreement introduces a new 18-month wage grid to include all employees. Any employee who will not receive more than a 50-cent increase as a result of the new wage grid, will receive lump sum payments. Those who are over scale, will receive discrepancy payments based on their wage.

There will be increases to shift premiums of: Afternoon premium 60 cents, Night premium 75 cents, Saturday $1.80, and Sunday $2.50.  

Members will also receive an annual bonus based on 50 cents per hour worked (including holidays and vacation), and overtime will be paid after 40 hours/week including paid holidays and vacation days.

There will be an employer RRSP plan with the option of putting the annual bonus into the plan. The current benefit plan will be maintained and employer paid with the exception of LTD.

Language gains include:

• Increased safety show allowance.
• Unlimited sick days for all current bargaining unit workers.
• One floater day.
• Ten paid holidays.
• Mileage to be paid at 55 cents per kilometre.
• Five-week vacation schedule with a sixth week given on service anniversary of 25, 30 and 35 years.
• Vacation language that allows for more than one employee to be off at a time.
• The company will pay 50% of the cost of negotiations.
• The employer will pay for the printing of the collective agreement.
• The company will contribute $200 per year to the Training and Education Fund.

This first agreement also includes the rights, benefits and privileges of being a unionized worker including a grievance procedure, sunset clause, improved health and safety language, JLM language, holiday language, and overtime language to ensure it is being allocated appropriately.

Union negotiating committee: Mark Basiw, Wayland Jones, and Phillip Oliverio. Union representative: Rick Daudlin.

Catch up on all the negotiation highlights from across the province here.

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