Employees at 17 No Frills stores in Ontario have approved a new agreement that includes wage increases and more full-time job opportunities.
The deal, which was ratified by workers on Monday, was negotiated between the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union and Loblaw Companies Limited, the parent company of No Frills.
Under the new agreement, employees will see wage gains over the next three years, with the first increase taking effect immediately. The exact amount of the wage increases was not disclosed.
In addition, the agreement includes a commitment from Loblaw to create more full-time positions at the 17 No Frills stores covered by the deal. This will provide employees with more stable and secure employment, as well as access to benefits and other perks.
The UFCW union, which represents over 250,000 workers in Canada, praised the new agreement as a step towards fair compensation and job security for No Frills employees.
“This agreement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our members at No Frills,” said Paul Meinema, the national president of UFCW Canada. “We are pleased to see that their contributions to the company are being recognized and rewarded.”
The agreement also includes improvements to scheduling and vacation time, as well as a commitment from Loblaw to provide training and development opportunities for employees.
“We are committed to investing in our employees and creating a positive work environment,” said Loblaw spokesperson Catherine Thomas. “This agreement reflects our ongoing efforts to support our employees and provide them with opportunities for growth and advancement.”
The new agreement comes after months of negotiations between the union and Loblaw, with the previous contract expiring in October 2020. The ratification of the deal by employees at the 17 No Frills stores is a positive outcome for both parties and ensures that workers are fairly compensated and have access to stable employment.
The UFCW union also highlighted the importance of fair wages and job security for all workers, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“As essential workers, our members at No Frills have been on the frontlines throughout this pandemic, ensuring that Canadians have access to the food and supplies they need,” said Meinema. “This agreement recognizes their hard work and dedication, and we will continue to fight for fair wages and job security for all workers.”
In conclusion, the new agreement between the UFCW union and Loblaw Companies Limited is a positive step towards fair compensation and job security for employees at 17 No Frills stores in Ontario. With wage increases, more full-time job opportunities, and other improvements, this deal recognizes the hard work and dedication of No Frills workers and sets a precedent for fair treatment of essential workers during these challenging times.
