Members at Dean's Valu-Mart ratify new deal – UFCW 175

Members at Dean's Valu-Mart ratify new contract – UFCW 175Gore Bay, Ont. – February 2, 2016 – UFCW Canada Local 175 members working at the Dean's Valu-Mart in Gore Bay, Ontario have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement.

Valu-Mart is a Loblaws-owned grocery store chain with over 70 supermarkets located throughout rural Ontario.

The new agreement brings wage increases of $1.25 per hour over its term. The first increase is retroactive for hours worked since the expiry of the previous contract. In addition, the contract also includes a new minimum wage grid for part-time employees to ensure that those in progress receive an hourly rate that stays above any adjustments made to minimum wage by the provincial government. 

Additionally, members will also receive an improved boot allowance, which is now $100, up from $50. All full-time employees will also receive a new floater holiday.

The union negotiating committee included Ethel Newburn, Jean Pearson, and Union Representative Lionel MacEachern.