Major boosts to benefits packages part of new deal: UFCW
United Food and Commercial Workers union (UFCW) Canada, Local 175 members at Ball Packaging in Whitby, Ont., ratified a new three-year collective agreement on March 4.
About 140 full-time employees are covered by the contract, which includes many improvements, said the union.
Going into bargaining, employees had health and safety concerns regarding use of the palletizers. The new contract includes improvements in this area which allows for shift rotation. Other important language establishes that overtime will be offered in blocks that are less than a 12-hour shift. The employer also agreed to continue discussions regarding reserve-board employees and long-term shift exchanges at upcoming meetings with the union, said UFCW.
Members at Ball Packaging will see wage increases of two per cent in each year of the contract term. The first increase is retroactive for all hours worked since Dec. 1, 2018, said the union.
Effective following ratification, the company will contribute $1,600 per employee to the group registered retirement savings plan (RRSP). In year two, the employer will match 50 per cent of the first $900 — up from $800 — contributed by each employee. In year three, the employer will contribute $1,700 per employee to the plan. Other monetary improvements include an increased shoe allowance of $200, up from $175, said UFCW.
With respect to health benefits, the lifetime major medical maximum increases to $100,000 and life insurance is now at $65,000. In addition, sickness and accident insurance improves to $625 per week in year two, and $650 per week in year three. Members now receive up to $500 per year toward chiropractic and massage therapy combined, and eye exams will now be covered 100 per cent by the plan. Lastly, employees will receive a new drug card as well, said the union.
