Local 175 No Frills members ratify new agreement

Members of UFCW Local 175 at No Frills stores in Thunder Bay, Geraldton, and Kenora, have ratified their new collective agreement unanimously.

“This was a difficult round of bargaining,” said Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty. “But our committee remained dedicated to achieving a fair contract with good improvements.”

There are approximately 200 employees at the four No Frills stores covered under the terms of the six-year contract. The agreement includes wage increases for both full and part-time workers each year. The wage grid now also includes adjustments so that progression rates stay ahead of any changes made to the provincial minimum wage.

The agreement contains a number of important language improvements including:

• Better accessibility to hours for part-time employees, and;
• Provisions to allow time for Stewards to introduce new hires to the collective agreement.

In addition, the negotiating committee achieved industry-leading domestic violence language as well as protection for members against abusive customer behaviour and discrimination based on gender identity and expression.

Members benefit from full-time benefit enhancements plus improvements to the part-time Benefit Trust Fund as well. Additional language allows members to continue to accumulate seniority while on a leave of absence for educational purposes. Plus, mobile scheduling will allow employees to check their schedules online and from their mobile devices.

Union Negotiating Committee: Betty Vaillant and Secretary-Treasurer Kelly Tosato.