About 60 members of UFCW Local 1006A who work at the Radisson Blu hotel in downtown Toronto, Canada, recently ratified a new contract.
The three-year contract includes the following provisions:
- Wage increases of $1.50 per hour on ratification for non-gratuity employees (vast majority of members in the bargaining unit), and increases of $0.20 per hour to $1.20 per hour for gratuity employees. An additional 12 percent in wage increases over the remainder of the contract for all employees in the bargaining unit.
- New lead hand premium for several departments and a new evening premium for housekeeping.
- Improved bereavement leave.
- Improved sick leave.
- Shoe allowance for part-time employees.
- Reduction in the room assignment for housekeepers (fewer checkouts).
- Increases to benefit and pension plan contributions.
- Higher retirement allowance for certain age groups.
“We were happy with what we accomplished,” said Jemal Mousa, who works at the Radisson Blu hotel and served as member of the negotiating committee. “We did fairly well — we did good with pensions, benefits, sick leave and improved the retirement package. Everybody was happy.”
“As a member of UFCW 1006A, you are part of a union and a movement which is advocating and achieving fairness, respect and dignity for workers across Ontario,” said UFCW Local 1006A President Wayne Hanley. “I’m proud of our exceptional negotiating committee for being a strong and relentless voice for our members at this hotel and helping achieve significant improvements.”