Western Grocers,
From Negotiations Report August, 2008
Following a convincing strike vote, the members at this location now have a new three year Collective Agreement.
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All members receive wage increases of 3% to 4.5% in each year of the new Agreement. In addition to a number of other small monetary improvements, the shift premium increases to 80˘ per hour, the premium for relieving out-of-scope employees increases to 90˘ per hour, and the boot allowance has increased to $75.
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There were a number of language improvements. The minimum shift for part-time employees will now be four hours in absolute terms (no more language about “efficient operation”), part-time employees will now be eligible to receive seven weeks vacation after 23 years, the same as for full-time members, and an extra day of paid bereavement leave in the event of the death of a spouse, parent, child, brother, sister or grandchild. Possibly the biggest improvement is that members will now receive double time for work on statutory holidays after four hours in addition to statutory holiday pay the employee is entitled to (i.e. triple time after four hours).
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Severance pay for part-time employees is now included in the Agreement, the ceiling on weeks of entitlement was increased to 26 weeks for both full and part-time workers and Technological Change language is also now included.
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The wage progression grid has been reduced, for full-time employees the grid was over 6,000 hours and part-time employees over 7,500 hours. This has decreased to 2,000 hours for both full and part-time members. New employees will now climb to the top of the wage scale in less than half the time the previous Agreement provided for; in addition, no start rate will be below $10 per hour.
The hard working Negotiations Committee consisted of members Troy Pearce, Bev Neil, Nick Antony and Shaun Martel, assisted by Representative Glenn Stewart and Collective Bargaining Representative Don Logan.
From Negotiations Report March, 2008
After a difficult start to these negotiations, significant progress was made on non-monetary issues in only a few meetings. Further bargaining took place on January 14 to 16, 2008, at which time the employer tabled an extremely low wage offer, which was completely unacceptable. The parties met again on February 25 to 29, 2008, at which time the employer finally removed all concessionary demands from the bargaining table. The employer is unfortunately still sticking to a very low wage proposal that is not satisfactory to the membership. We have further dates set for April 23 to 25, 2008, which will likely be held with the assistance of a conciliation officer from the Department of Labour.
From Negotiations report December, 2007
At meetings held on August 23 and 24, 2007, significant progress was made on non-monetary issues. We had been scheduled to meet again in October, however, the employer cancelled those meetings and has rescheduled bargaining dates for January 14 to 16, 2008.
From Negotiations report August, 2007
After a great deal of difficulty getting bargaining dates out of this employer, we were finally able to meet with them on June 21 and 22, 2007. Due to restructuring within the company, we are now dealing with a negotiator from Ontario for these negotiations as opposed to the usual people we’ve dealt with over the past number of years. The next negotiation dates are August 23 and 24, 2007.
From Negotiations report May, 2007
Bargaining was scheduled to start on March 13 and 14, 2007, however, the employer canceled these dates. We have asked the employer for further dates but have not heard back yet.
From Negotiations report January, 2007
This agreement expired at the end of 2006. Members at this unit have selected Negotiation Committees and prepared bargaining proposals. Bargaining dates with the employer will be set soon.
From Negotiations report October, 2006
This Agreement will expire by the end of the year. Members of this unit will be selecting Negotiation Committee members and preparing bargaining proposals in the very near future.
