LensCrafters associates at Scarborough Town Centre have voted for the benefit of union representation by overwhelmingly choosing to become members of UFCW Canada Local 1000A.
The vote took place on July 18, 2014 and makes the Scarborough Town Centre location the fifth LensCrafters store to be represented by the local union.
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.
Workers at Aspect Retail Logistics in Ajax voted overwhelmingly on Thursday, Oct. 16 to ratify a first contract as the newest members of UFCW Canada Local 1000A.
As the results came in, there was hugging, jumping, dancing and crying at achieving union representation.
“It was just sheer joy, sheer jubilation—it was overwhelming,” said Richard Ramlogan, who worked for more than eight years at Aspect and who is a member of the bargaining committee. “I am still pinching myself –it is just unbelievable.”
Seeking fairness and respect at their workplace, LensCrafters workers at Fairview Mall in Toronto strongly voted Friday, March 22, 2013 for union representation through UFCW Canada Local 1000A. They are the sixth group of LensCrafters workers to join the local union.
"On behalf of Local 1000A, I am proud to congratulate the workers at the LensCrafters location in Fairview Mall for the courage, strength and determination they showed in coming together to achieve this victory for their future," said President Pearl Sawyer.
