Workers Voted for Increased Wages, Better Scheduling, and Improved Working Conditions
LensCrafters workers at Fairview Mall, Markville Mall, Yorkdale Mall and Upper Canada Mall strongly voted in favour of accepting their first union contract with LensCrafters.
The union’s bargaining committee, which included workers from LensCrafters, fought hard to achieve a fair deal after a tough set of negotiations with the company.
This agreement benefits everyone: casual part-time, regular part-time and full-time workers. The duration of the agreement is from April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2017. It contains significant wage increases retroactive to April 1, 2014 for all workers of the four unionized stores. Workers are guaranteed a minimum of 7.5 per cent increase over the next three years. The contract mandates, fairer distribution of hours for workers along with guaranteed minimums, opportunities for advancement, protection against unfair treatment and discipline, fair working conditions, plus many more improvements and protections. “On behalf of everyone at UFCW Canada Local 1000A, I welcome and congratulate these LensCrafters workers for their courage, solidarity, and determination in coming together to achieve a fair deal, and a better future for themselves and their families," said Pearl Sawyer, Local 1000A President.
Jonathan Lobo, Organizing Coordinator for Local 1000A and member of the bargaining committee, said members’ ongoing support of the bargaining committee made a huge difference.
“As union members, LensCrafters workers at these four locations will now enjoy the many benefits and protections of a union contract,” Lobo said. "It just goes to show what workers can achieve when they come together. Together, fairness really does work."
Don Taylor, Director for the sector, led the negotiations for the union.
Workers at other LensCrafters, who are seeking fairness at work, should contact Local 1000A Organizing Coordinator Jonathan Lobo at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 416.459.5077 - 1.800.637.5936 (ext 4336).
