Union Members at Primo ratify deal with no concessions
November 20, 2017
The 65 employees at Primo Foods in Toronto voted on November 19, 2017 to ratify a deal negotiated following a strong strike mandate from the Members.
At the start of bargaining, the employer came to the table demanding wage cuts of $2 per hour and the elimination of six weeks’ paid vacation. In addition, they refused to participate in the employee’s pension plan. The employer also wanted language removed that prevented them from contracting out work.
The employer also wanted to freeze seniority after extended absences, and reduce benefits along with mandatory co-pays and mandatory generic drugs.
Just a few hours before the strike deadline, the parties came to an agreement through conciliation.
The four-year ratified agreement contains no concessions.
“Taking strike action is never an easy decision,” said President Haggerty. “These Members showed how committed they were to achieving an agreement with only improvements, and they succeeded. I congratulate them on this hard-earned contract.”
Wages will increase by 30 cents per hour in each year of the contract term. The first increase provides retroactive pay for hours worked since June 22, 2017. In addition, the afternoon and night shift premiums each increase by 10 cents per hour to reach rates of 55 cents and 70 cents per hour, respectively.
Millwrights and Electricians receive an additional wage adjustment of $2 per hour. Stationary Engineers receive $1.50 per hour on top of regular rate increases as well.
The Members benefit from enhanced Life Insurance and AD&D coverage of $50,000, up from $45,000. Physiotherapy, chiropractic, and dental benefit coverage all improve by $100 per year reaching rates of $550, $350, and $1,600 respectively.
Finally, the Union Negotiating Committee achieved language improvements regarding shifts. As a result, existing rotating shifts have been replaced with shift selection by seniority with language on fixed shifts for days, afternoons, and nights.
Union Negotiating Committee: Enzo Arboritanza, Massimo Bottiglieri, Anthony DeGroot, and Region 2 Director John DiNardo.
See more negotiation updates from the industrial food sector.