TORONTO, March 4, 2019 /CNW/ - Unifor members at Loblaws Ajax Distribution Centre ratified a collective agreement that improves working conditions and wins back the cuts of Bill 47.
"When Premier Ford plotted with corporate lobbyists like Galen Weston to attack workers' rights, Unifor members pledged to bargain back decent work," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "Warehouse workers in Ajax did just that. They organized through their union to raise standards while facing a company that notoriously opposes worker's rights."
The approximately 1000 workers, members of Unifor Local 222, ratified a three-year collective agreement on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The new gains include:
- Wage increases for all workers
- Equal pay for equal work for part time and clerical workers
- 96 hour notice for shift changes and cancellations
"I want to congratulate every single one of the workers at the Loblaws Warehouse, who successfully pushed back against a greedy employer in an especially challenging industry," said Naureen Rizvi, Unifor Ontario Regional Director. "This is one workplace in one Ontario city, but these members are setting a pattern for advancing decent work in this province."
In addition to the gains that were bargained back from the Conservatives' attack on workers, major issues specific to the workplace were also resolved including an improved disciplinary process, better job ownership, signing bonuses, and the establishment of a joint Diversity Inclusion Committee to proactively address racism and discrimination in the workplace.
"Not only will members' working conditions improve, but our union is stronger following this round of bargaining," said Colin James, President of Unifor Local 222. "The message to the employer was clear, people should come before profits, and that message was repeated through workplace actions, on social media and through the entire bargaining campaign."
Members and the public can access information on the union's program for Bargaining Decent work here.
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 162,800 workers in Ontario, in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
SOURCE Unifor
Contact Sarah McCue, Unifor National Communications Representative at 416-458-3307 (cell) or [email protected].
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