Wage increases and increased security were among the gains achieved by members at G & K Services.
Ratified on October 28, 2016, the union contract runs from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020. It covers 300 members at 12 locations.
"As Ontario’s best union, we are proud to provide our members with outstanding union negotiators who fight hard to protect and advance workers' rights and livelihoods,” said Wayne Hanley, President of UFCW Canada Local 1006A. "With the solidarity and support of our membership, our union negotiating committee did a tremendous job in achieving a strong and fair contract with significant gains for workers at G & K Services. This new agreement provides our members with much needed stability for the next five years.”
Executive Assistant to the President Frank Ragni led the union negotiating committee, which consisted of: Norm Hillier, Leticia Jones, Bal Bhatt, Paul Goberdhan, Chandana Roy, Jovanka Culum, Florence Owusuaa and union representatives, Rob Murphy, Rick Del Fiacco, Joe Blythe, and Daiana Dumitru.
Highlights of the agreement include:
- Wage increases of 2.5 per cent in every year of the agreement
- Significant increases to Health and Welfare plan and to the Pension Plan.
- A 5-year contract which provides security and stability. (Tightened contract language to ensure workers have increased stability and maintain union protection and representation in the event of changes to workplace location.)
- Improved language for job postings for permanent vacancies. New language ensures greater opportunity for workers in a great number of classifications and recognizes the seniority of applicants.
- CRT Operators are now in the Classified Depts, ensuring significant wage increases under the new contract.
“We are proud of the great contract we achieved for our members,” said Ragni. “Thank you to our membership for your participation throughout the process and to our bargaining committee for your fantastic work."
