Thunder Bay, Ont. – January 16, 2018 – UFCW Canada Local 175 members working at Canada Malting in Thunder Bay, Ontario have ratified a new collective agreement.

Canada Malting is the largest malt company in Canada, producing over 400,000 metric tonnes of malt per year for breweries and distilleries around the world.

As per the new agreement, members will receive wage increases of $2.03 per hour over the three-year term. The lead hand rate will increase to $1 per hour, up from $0.50. Additionally, members will receive a $15 meal allowance if working more than two years of unplanned overtime continuous with the regular shift. As well, the employer will pay an improved safety boot allowance of $200 per year, up from $150.

The committee was also able to achieve new language regarding 12-hour shift work, as well as new language that establishes zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, bullying, and victimization in the workplace. Other language improvements provide a paid day off for a parent upon the birth of their child. Lastly, members classified as maintenance employees will receive a market rate wage adjustment of $1 per hour in the first year, plus $0.50 per hour in the second and third year of the agreement.

The union negotiating committee included UFCW Canada Local 175 members Jason Dyck, Dan Scaffeo, and Allen Wragg, Union Representative Colby Flank, and UFCW 175 Executive Assistant Luc Lacelle.