Taste of Nature members ratify

Members at Taste of Nature in Markham have ratified a new three-year collective agreement.

The parties met in conciliation to address wage increases, which the employer was hesitant to give to the lowest rated classification because of the provincial increase to $14 per hour. As a result, the new Taste of Nature agreement contains increases for all classifications, including retroactive pay for hours worked since July 1, 2018. Some classifications will receive an increase up to 6.7%, with all rates increasing by 1.3% in each of the three years in the contract term. The workers also benefit from an enhanced safety shoe allowance of $100, up from $75.

Language improvements ensure that Union Reps have access to visit the workplace. Members will now receive two floats days per year instead of one, and the negotiating committee achieved improved language around vacation as well.

Lastly, the employer will contribute $500 toward the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC), and $500 toward the UFCW Local 175 Training & Education Fund.

The agreement, ratified on April 15, 2019, covers 35 members of UFCW Local 175 at Taste of Nature.

Union Negotiating Committee: Jeyakmar Arumugam (pictured here, right), Andre Deschamps (left), and Union Rep Melody Slattery.

Check out more negotiation updates for the members of UFCW Locals 175 & 633.