UFCW Eastern Provinces Council Local 1288P members working at Sollio Agriculture have officially voted in favour to ratify a new collective agreement bringing in major increases to wages, shift premiums and workplace allowances.  

 

The two-year deal contains salary increases of 5.5 per cent in year one and another 4.25 per cent in year two. A jump in shift premiums will also see workers earn more through the evening and night shifts and for Lead Hands working any weekends.  

 

A new health benefits plan will also be implemented, which will offer workers an annual lump sum ranging from $750 up to $1,200 to be placed into either a health spending, wellness or a savings account. 

 

Additional financial gains include a meal allowance following 2 hours of overtime worked, with an additional allowance given at 6 hours of overtime, as well as the ability to be paid out for any unused sick days. 

 

Boot and clothing allowances will also jump by $145 by the end of year two, leading to $325 annually.  

 

Finally, changes to bereavement have given more paid time off for the loss of family members ranging from 5 days for immediate family and 3 days for extended family.  

 

The ratification vote for this contract was held in Moncton, N.B. on Tuesday, Dec. 10 with negotiating done by Ron Steeves, Jason Heap, Yves Léger, and Norm Arseneault. 

 

 

 

A more specific breakdown of contract highlights is as follows:  

 

- Total 2-year wage increase of 9.75 per cent  

 

- Shift premiums – additional $0.35 per hour for evenings, $0.50 for night shift and Lead Hand weekends 

 

- Work boot and clothing allowance raised $120 in year one, additional $25 in year two - $325 total 

 

- Any of the 10 unclaimed sick days to be paid out at years end 

 

- Health benefit changes offering between $750-$1,200 towards a health, savings or wellness account per employee annually.  

 

-  Bereavement changes – five paid days for immediate family, three paid days for extended family