Workers at Heidi’s Your Independent Grocer ratified a five-year deal with wage increases and lump sums.
The deal runs from the date of ratification, May 26, 2013 to May 26, 2018 and covers approximately 82 workers, with the majority of the workforce being part-time.
Heidi’s YIG is operating amid tough market conditions, including a depressed job market, the lure of cross-border shopping for even basic goods, and competition from non-union retailers in the town.
“In the tough times we are having, it is good to hold on to everything we have,” said Penny Paulley, a member of the union’s bargaining committee who works at Heidi’s YIG.
Paulley said she is pleased that workers held on to the good language in their contract.
Gail Thrower, another member of the union’s negotiating team, said workers made gains. This included the addition of Family Day for all part-time and full-time employees.
“The members realized the union’s bargaining committee worked hard for what we got.”
The negotiations were led by Brian Reid, Director of the Director of Warehouse & Transport and YIG & Valumart Sector for Local 1000A with support from Local 1000A Staff Representative Bill Vantol.
