Sudbury, Ont., grocery-store workers achieve new agreement

The 200 employees working at the Real Canadian Superstore (RCSS) in Sudbury, Ont., ratified a new collective agreement on Oct. 26.

The United Food and Commercial Workers union (UFCW) negotiating committee signed a new two-week scheduling arrangement that guarantees more hours for senior part-time Sudbury RCSS employees, said the union.

Full-time end-rate employees receive an increase of $0.25 per hour effective ratification. In addition, the employees will receive a $1,000 lump sum, plus another $500 lump sum and a total of $0.75 per hour over the term of the deal, said the union.

Part-time employees will see an increase of $0.80 per hour to the end-rate as of ratification. Subsequent increases include a $500 lump sum and a new wage grid that includes new language to keep rates above minimum wage, said UFCW.

RRSP contributions for full-time workers increase to $0.60 per hour in year two. The contribution rate increases again by $0.10 per hour in year four, to reach $0.70 per hour. Employees at the store will move to the Ontario Real Canadian Superstore benefits program, which will save the members $0.40 per hour, as the employer will now pay 100 per cent of the premium cost. The allowance for work boots increases to $100 per year for all employees, said the union.