New benefits package 100 per cent paid by employer: UFCW
United Food and Commercial Workers union (UFCW) Canada, Local 1518 members working at Fresh St. Market in Surrey, B.C. signed a new union contract on Aug. 24 that provides wage gains and improved benefits.
Under the new four-year collective agreement, employees will enjoy several wage improvements, including a starting rate that is $0.40 above minimum wage, says the union.
In addition, workers will be placed on the new wage grid based on their total hours from date of hire, including their career hours and hours credited for previous agreements. The wage grid progression has been shortened by more than 4,160 hours, which means the workers will earn more money in a shorter period. Add this to the ability to be scheduled up to 40 hours a week according to seniority, and members have even more financial opportunity in this agreement, says UFCW.
The union also negotiated a health and welfare benefit package that is 100 per cent employer paid; with new benefits including a drug card, massage, physiotherapy, dental and extended health coverage. All statutory leaves — such as compassionate care and family responsibility — were added and pregnancy and parental leaves were enhanced. Other highlights include seniority-based job posting, work protection and more vacation time, says the union
UFCW Canada, Local 1518 represents 22,000 members working in the community health, retail, industrial and professional sectors across British Columbia.
