Western Grocer Serving the industry since 1916
Winnipeg—Approximately 400 unionized Save-On-Foods employees across Manitoba recently voted overwhelmingly in favour of ratifying a three-year collective agreement providing them with significant wage increases, improved benefits, and stronger provisions supporting work-life balance.
The employees are represented by Education, Service, and Healthcare Union, CLAC Local 306. The union has represented Save-On-Foods workers in Manitoba since 2016.
The new contract provides retroactive wage increases and annual top-rate increases for each year of the term. Structural improvements to the wage grid will allow employees to progress more quickly through wage levels.
Additional improvements to statutory holidays, paid sick leave, rest breaks, vacation, bereavement leave, and various premiums were also achieved. Strengthened language promoting fair access to work contributed to strong member support, with 91 percent voting in favour of ratification.
“We’re pleased with the results of bargaining and the strong support the settlement received from the membership,” says Geoff Dueck Thiessen, regional director of CLAC’s Winnipeg Member Centre and lead negotiator for the union. “The grocery industry is very competitive, and workers need to have their contributions recognized as a key factor in any employer’s success.
“In this case, the union and the employer were able to come to an agreement that recognizes those contributions and addresses some of the cost-of-living reality. As food prices rise, we can’t forget the folks who make sure that food is ready, available, and safe for us.”
–30–
About CLAC
Formed in 1952, CLAC is a national union representing over 60,000 workers in almost every sector of the economy. Based on values of respect, dignity, and fairness, CLAC is committed to building better workplaces, better communities, and better lives. CLAC is an affiliated member of the World Organisation of Workers.
