UFCW Canada Local 1000A Members Vote to Ratify New Agreement with Loblaw Companies Ltd.

TORONTO, July 9, 2015 /CNW/ - After four days of voting across the province, members of UFCW Canada Local 1000A voted to ratify an amended agreement with Loblaw Companies Ltd.

The agreement will cover approximately 12,000 workers at 60 Loblaws Great Food and Superstore locations in Ontario. It takes effect on July 9, 2015. 

"I want to thank each and everyone of our members who participated in the ratification process for making their collective voices heard," said Local 1000A President Pearl Sawyer. "However each individual member voted, their participation is essential to building a better workplace and a stronger union."

Voting on the amended agreement took place from July 5 to July 8. Acceptance of the amended agreement means strike action will no longer commence on July 11, 2015.  

The final percentages will be posted later today on the local union's website once all segregated ballots have been considered, but the fact the amended agreement was accepted won't change.

Some of the highlights of the agreement include: job assurances for full-time and part-time in a volatile retail industry, prescription drug cards for all full-time and part-time who meet eligibility requirements, and protection of the defined benefit pension plan for all — to preserve retirement security, scheduling improvements, and annual wage increases for those at top rate and increases for members in the wage progression.  In addition, the union has negotiated a relationship building program with the company, that will be facilitated by the Ontario Ministry of Labour. 

Negotiations began in February 2015.

In May 2015, the membership voted 97 per cent in favour of a strike if a fair contract is not reached.

From June 14 to June 20, members voted to reject a tentative agreement with Loblaw Companies Ltd. A strike deadline was set for July 5, 2015. 

The strike deadline was postponed to July 11, 2015 as both parties returned to the negotiating table on July 2 at the request of an Ontario Ministry of Labour Mediation Officer. Two days of intensive negotiations resulted in an amended offer on the evening of July 3.

SOURCE UFCW Canada Local 1000A

contact [email protected] or visit ufcw1000a.ca.