Increases to wages, and health and welfare benefits were among the key achievements in the latest contract negotiated between UFCW Canada Local 1000A and Best Western Mariposa Inn & Conference Centre.
The contract was ratified on January 22, 2013 and runs from August 27, 2012 to August 27, 2015. It covers 48 full-time and part-time workers at the Best Western Mariposa, which is located in Orillia.
“It was awesome –it was our best contract so far,” said Sam Snider, a steward who works full-time in laundry at the inn & conference centre. Snider, along with steward Patricia O’Brien and Local 1000A Staff Rep Dave Dewar were members of the local union’s bargaining committee. Don Taylor, Director of Manufacturing, Processing and Packing Sector for the local union, led the negotiations.
“Our bargaining committee worked hard to secure significant gains for our membership,” said Taylor. “It is a contract with something for everyone and I want to thank our members for their support and engagement throughout this entire process.”
The wage increases covered both full-time and part-time employees, who will also see significant improvements in working conditions.
"I loved the contract," said O'Brien.
Additionally, full-time employees will now only have to wait six months to qualify for benefits versus two-and-a-half years previously.
“That was a big bonus for the full-timers – it made most of them eligible to receive benefits much sooner,” said Dewar.
Other gains included bonuses for service and improvements to scheduling for full-timers. Both part-time and full-time staff also saw increases to their boot allowance. Anti-fatigue mats will also be provided for those working in the laundry and kitchen area(s) who request them.
