The union representing roughly 100 employees at Pilkington Glass in Whitby, Ont. has ratified a three-year agreement that includes benefits and pension gains.
Members of Unifor Local 222 voted 84 per cent in favour of ratifying the agreement, which includes a short-term disability weekly benefit of $400 and two paid personal emergency leave days per calendar year, starting Jan. 1, 2023. In addition, employee contributions to the defined contribution pension plan will receive an employer match of up to three per cent.
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Workers’ wages will increase by roughly 17 per cent retroactive to June 9, 2022 and increase by four per cent in each subsequent year. The agreement also established a racial justice advocate and anti-racism action plan for the workplace.
“This is a pivotal agreement which substantially raises union members’ wages, improves pension contributions, while also making important breakthroughs for equity,” said Daniel Bernard-Hovianseian, Unifor Local 222 Unit chairperson at Pilkington Glass, in a press release. “As a newly elected bargaining committee, it was vital to have both the support of our fellow Unifor members as well as the national union throughout negotiations.”
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