Wages, boot allowances rise in deal: UFCW
On Jan. 28, bargaining unit members at Sodexo in Cornwall, Ont., ratified a new agreement.
The United Food and Commercial Workers union (UFCW) Canada negotiating committee achieved improved vacation for Sodexo members of six weeks paid at 12 per cent after 30 years of service. Other significant gains include a better clothing allowance, a second shoe allowance of $60 per year when necessary, and language covering gratuity payouts for all departments, said the union.
Plus, the regular boot allowance improves to $125, up from $100, per year instead of every 24 months, said UFCW.
Wages improved by 1.5 per cent as of ratification with subsequent increases of 1.5 per cent in year two and two per cent in year three. In addition, employees will receive a signing bonus of $300 for full-time and $150 for part-time. The night shift premium goes up by $0.80, to reach an hourly rate of $1, for hours worked between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., said the union.
Members receive two paid sick days per year. Employees who do not use their two sick days receive a $100 bonus payout at the end of the year. Members also benefit from improvements to bereavement leave as well, said UFCW.
Sodexo employs about 122 full-time and 67 part-time unionized employees at their Cornwall location. Workers provide a number of services including hospitality, food and facilities management.
