University of Waterloo

Click here to view the original collective agreement.

Renewal agreement: Effective May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2027.

Wage adjustments: Incremental increases including 3.2% on May 1, 2024, 3.5% on May 1, 2025, and 3.3% on May 1, 2026.

Shift premium: $1.35 for each hour on any shift which starts between 3 p.m. and 9:59 p.m., except for 12-hour shifts. $1.40 for each hour on an 8-hour shift which starts between 10 p.m. and 4:59 a.m., and any 12-hour shift which starts between 6:30 p.m. and 4:59 a.m. Central plant shift work personnel: 0.5 times straight time earnings for all hours worked between the commencement of the day shift Saturday to the conclusion of the Sunday night shift.

Paid holidays: 10 days plus between 2 and 4 days in order to provide 6 consecutive paid holidays during the Christmas period. Dec. 24 is always a paid holiday when not on a Saturday or a Sunday.

Vacations with pay: 1/12 x 15 x months worked to start, 3 weeks after 1 year, 4 weeks after 3 years, 4 weeks plus 1 day after 10 years (1 day added every 2 years up to 17 years), 5 weeks after 18 years, 5 weeks plus 1 day after 19 years (1 day added every 2 years up to 29 years), 6 weeks after 30 years.

Overtime: 1.75 times straight time wage rate for all time worked beyond 40 hours in one work week and 8 hours in one shift, and all time worked on Saturday or Sunday that are not part of an employee’s regularly scheduled shift. Central plant shift work personnel: All time worked beyond 84 hours in a normal two-week scheduling period and 12 hours in one shift. Minimum 4 hours if apart from regular shift.

Meal allowance: $25 for 4 or more hours actually worked of emergency overtime.

Medical benefits: Extended health care plan 80% covered by employer, 20% by employee.

Dental: Premium paid entirely by employer. 95% for basic dental services and comprehensive basic services, 50% for major services and orthodontic.

Sick leave: Absences beyond 5 days require reporting of approximate date of return to work and employee’s health status, at least once per week, and medical documentation signed by a qualified physician. Absences beyond 30 calendar days due to a verified, excusable illness or injury must notify of anticipated return at least 5 working days prior.

LTD: Premium paid entirely by employer.

Life insurance: Group life insurance paid entirely by employer equal to base annual salary.

Pension: Plan integrated with CPP and cost is shared by employer and the employee. Normal retirement date within the pension plan is the first day of the month coinciding with or the next following the date of attaining age 65.

Bereavement leave: 4 weeks following the death of employee’s spouse/partner, child, or step-child. 1 week following the death of any other member of immediate family.

Seniority – recall rights: 12 months.

Probationary period: 12 months for positions requiring certifications and professional credentials; 6 months for all other positions.

Discipline: Sunset clause is 24 months.

Severance: Employment Standards Act minimums for less than one year, 1 month for one year of service, increasing by 0.5 months for each additional year of service up to 12 months for 22 years of service and above.

Safety shoes: $125 per year for the purchase of up to 2 pairs of non-slip shoes. $235 per year for Food Services employees who are required by the employer to wear work boots for the purchase of up to 2 pairs of green-patch non-slip work boots. $235 per year for Plant Operations employees for up to 2 pairs of green-patch work boots (or up to $350 every 2 years).

Uniforms/clothing: $250 every two years for CSA-approved prescription safety eyewear, where required by the nature of the job. Employer provides 5 pieces of clothing for each new hire and 3 pieces each calendar year thereafter (a shirt or pair of pants). Replacement pieces provided at no cost to the employee. Plant Operations: 1 “3-in-1” jacket, or 1 winter jacket and 1 spring jacket, at least 4 sets of pants and shirts. Temporary employees receive 2 sets of pants and shirts.

Sample rates of pay (current, after increase):

Custodian I: $25.56 with two increases to $27.42 on May 1, 2026.
Groundsperson: $25.94 with two increases to $27.83 on May 1, 2026.
Horticulturist/arborist: $36.34 with two increases to $38.83 on May 1, 2026.
Machinist/millwright: $41.08 with two increases to $44.44 on May 1, 2026.
Food services support: $19 with two increases to $20.31 on May 1, 2026.
Assistant stores handler/assistant catering event person: $24.41 with two increases to $26.08 on May 1, 2026.
Cook/baker/stores handler: $28.18 with two increases to $30.12 on May 1, 2026.