Wage increases, improved benefit plans, pensions part of deal: Union
United Food and Commercial Workers Canada (UFCW) Canada Local 175 members working at two Toronto-area Cappola Foods locations ratified their first-ever collective agreements June 30.
The new contracts cover more than 100 full-time workers who joined UFCW Canada Local 175 in 2016. The two plants run separate and distinct operations, with no crossover of employees, said the union.
Owned by Maple Leaf Foods, Cappola Foods produces an extensive array of Italian-inspired deli meats.
Wages at both plants will increase by $0.30 per hour retroactive to hours worked since Jan. 1, 2017. Subsequent wage increases will total $1.45 per hour over the term of the contract in addition to a signing bonus of $150. The afternoon shift premium also increases to 45 cents per hour.
Workers will receive a defined contribution pension plan to which the employer will match employee contributions up to two per cent of an employee's annual wages. In addition, members were also able to achieve paid overtime after 40 hours with time off due to bereavement, said the UFCW.
The employees' benefit plan will be 100 per cent employer-paid and provides prescription drug reimbursement at 90 per cent with no annual deductible. It covers a wide variety of health services and provides vision and dental care benefits as well, according to the union.
