Wage increases and language improvements were among the many gains achieved by Local 1000A members working at Thunder Bay’s Real Canadian Superstore.
Ratified on October 13, 2015, the agreement covers 312 members at the store and runs from March 17, 2014 to March 16, 2019.
“We had an amazing negotiating committee made up of members who were the key to our success at the bargaining table,” said Paul Docherty, Executive Director for Local 1000A and lead negotiator. “They worked hard to empower and inform members and keep them engaged throughout the process. A big thank you to our membership - your support made a huge difference throughout this entire process.”
The bargaining committee was supported by Local 1000A Regional Director (East) Roland Lapins, staff representative Ric Pereira and members, Gary Langlois, Tuija Doiran, Kevin McKeown and Maureen Woodcock.
The agreement contains wage increases in every year for full-time amounting to $0.95/per hour over the term of agreement and $0.95/per hour over the term of agreement for part-time at the end rate. All workers receive lump sums at ratification, including $850 for full-time, $250 for part-time with 5+ years of experience, $125 for those with more than 2 years of experience but less than 5 years and $75 for those with less than two years of experience.
“On behalf of Local 1000A, I want to congratulate our union negotiating committee for their excellent work and our members at Thunder Bay Real Canadian Superstore for showing tremendous solidarity in working together to achieve a fair contract for their future,” said Local 1000A President Pearl Sawyer.
Many going into the new part-time wage grid will also see immediate increases and all those making above minimum wage, will receive an additional increase each year minimum wage goes up.
Part-time minimum wage increases were not applied to all rates in the wage progression scale which led to many workers with greater hours not being fairly compensated for their time with the company. This has now being rectified. As members work more hours and move up the wage progression, they will see the gap increase above minimum wage with each step they move up the wage progression.
“On behalf of Local 1000A, I want to congratulate our union negotiating committee for their excellent work and our members at Thunder Bay Real Canadian Superstore for showing tremendous solidarity in working together to achieve a fair contract for their future,” said Local 1000A President Pearl Sawyer.
Gains also included new work for union members who work in the “Click and Collect” (a Loblaws new e-commerce business) department.
The negotiating committee also secured improved language for new member orientation to ensure new hires are advised of their rights and protections under their collective agreement.
Stronger language was also negotiated ensuring greater protection in the case of reprimands or receiving a warning letter.
