Renewal of collective agreement for unionized workers at Metro Mérite I warehouse - UFCW 501
Montreal — July 11, 2024 — The United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 501 (UFCW 501), is pleased to announce the renewal of the collective agreement for unionized members of the Metro warehouse, grocery division Mérite I center. This new five-year collective agreement, covering nearly 400 members in the Montreal region, brings significant improvements to working conditions and benefits for union members.
Improvements include significant salary increases for the duration of the agreement. Progressing employees will receive a 15.5% pay rise, while those at the top of the scale will see a 16.5% increase. In addition, the hourly rate for maintenance employees will rise by $1 per hour worked, on top of the increase scheduled for the first year. Added to this is an increase in the employer's contribution to the Group RRSP.
In addition, the new agreement includes a signing bonus of $1,000 for regular employees and $0.50 per hour worked, up to a maximum of $1,000 for part-time and casual employees. The new wages will be applied retroactively to September 10, 2023, and employees in the first two echelons will be integrated into the third echelon. Finally, the number of salary steps has been reduced, now ending after 60 months rather than 72 months. Bonuses have also been revised to offer better conditions, and allowances for the purchase of safety shoes have been increased. Finally, six regular employee positions will be posted within three weeks of the signing of this agreement.
A clause concerning domestic violence has been introduced, allowing employees who are victims of violence to take unpaid leave to deal with their situation, in compliance with the law on labour standards. These employees can use their sick leave or family-related leave to compensate for their absence, with the possibility of using their annual leave bank in the event of prolonged absence. Their position and benefits will be protected for the duration of their absence.
"I commend the work of the members of the negotiating committee. They can be very proud of this agreement, which strengthens the rights and benefits of the workers at this distribution center. This new collective agreement provides our members with fair and safe working conditions," says UFCW 501 President, Alain Lachaîne.
About UFCW 501
With some 19,000 members in over 410 units, UFCW 501 is part of the largest francophone food and commercial union in Quebec, and represents members in northern New Brunswick. Our members work in all areas of the food industry and trade, as well as in other fields such as service, processing, manufacturing, technical and professional activities.For more information on UFCW 501, visit www.ufcw501.org.
