Edmonton vision-loss rehab workers sign first collective agreement

Banked overtime, paid sick days part of contract: UFCW

Edmonton vision-loss rehab workers sign first collective agreement
Operated by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) (seen here in Toronto), the VLRA is an independent health care service provider. Google Street View

United Food and Commercial Workers union (UFCW) Canada, Local 401 members working at Vision Loss Rehabilitation Alberta (VLRA) in Edmonton achieved their first union contract on July 6.

Under the new, three-year collective agreement, VLRA employees will have union representation and job security, strong union access and visitation rights, and paid time for stewards performing their representational duties, said the union.

As well, new employees will receive 30-minute union orientation sessions with their union representatives to learn about the benefits of union membership. There is also extra time set aside for stewards and representatives to walk new workers through the union contract to ensure that they understand all of their rights, said UFCW.

In addition, workers will now have access to banked overtime options, paid sick days, three paid personal days, an annual birthday-floater day off, seven days of bereavement leave, paid travel time and a meal allowances, said the union.

Operated by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), the VLRA is an independent health care service provider that receives funding from the Government of Alberta, as well as private donors. The VLRA provides support to the visually impaired through training, which helps their clients remain independent.

UFCW Canada Local 401 is Alberta’s largest private sector union, representing more than 32,000 union members.

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