No Frills Workers in Ontario Ratify New Collective Agreement, Securing Wage Increases and Full-Time Jobs

The union representing No Frills workers in Ontario has confirmed that a new collective agreement has been ratified, resulting in wage increases and the creation of additional full-time positions. The agreement, which covers nearly 1,300 workers at 17 stores, will see wages rise by $3.20 to $4.50 per hour over the duration of the contract. It also includes a new benefits program for part-time workers and the establishment of 30 new full-time positions within a year.

“Our union’s fight is to improve wages and working conditions for grocery store workers. I am very proud of the work of our bargaining committee at No Frills who fought hard for this deal for their members,” said Unifor national president Lana Payne.

No Frills, owned by Loblaw Cos. Ltd., is a discount grocery banner and the largest grocery company in Canada.

Reaching an Agreement Before Strike Deadline

The workers reached a tentative agreement just days before a strike deadline. Negotiations were conducted with a committee representing the owners of the No Frills franchises.

“We’re pleased that the agreement has been ratified and that customers can continue to rely on us for affordable food options, particularly as we go into the holiday season,” said Aylmer No Frills owner Ryan Barrett on behalf of the owners’ committee.

A Signal for Positive Change in the Industry

Following a successful strike by Metro workers in the Greater Toronto Area earlier this year, Unifor aimed to achieve similar gains for No Frills employees.

“Unifor managed to extend the pattern agreement with Metro to No Frills. And that’s a major accomplishment that will likely have profound implications for the industry, in the sense that it will likely lift wages for all grocery store workers, both union and non-union,” said labor studies professor Larry Savage.

This achievement further strengthens the influence of the Metro agreement and sets a precedent for improved wages and working conditions in the grocery store industry.

Fighting for Workers’ Rights and Fair Compensation

The wage increases outlined in the agreement are front-loaded, with full-time workers receiving a $2 per hour raise within the first five months and part-time employees getting a $1.50 raise. Previously, the average hourly wage for full-time workers at No Frills was $19.89, while part-time workers (excluding students) earned an average of $16.95 per hour. Only 6% of workers held full-time positions across the stores.

Furthermore, the addition of 30 new full-time jobs is considered a significant achievement, as it provides opportunities for further improvements and advancements in the future.

Public Pressure and Support Play a Role

The current public pressure on major grocery companies, combined with increased public support for workers’ rights, played a crucial role in the bargaining process. The pandemic highlighted the value of grocery store workers’ labor, leading to a demand for fair compensation.

“I think it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the very same grocery store workers who were held up as heroes during the pandemic aren’t content to just go back to living paycheck to paycheck,” noted Professor Savage.

Discount grocery banners like No Frills have experienced growth as consumers seek affordable options amid the rising cost of living. Loblaw, the parent company of No Frills, has expanded its discount footprint, with its Maxi and No Frills stores generating double-digit growth.

Next Steps for Grocery Workers

Unifor has announced that the next major round of bargaining will take place in the new year for approximately 1,600 workers at Loblaw-owned Dominion stores in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“We’re being abundantly clear with every single employer across this country: we are fighting back and mobilizing to demand better for workers who absolutely deserve decent work and pay,” stated Payne.

Conclusion

The ratified collective agreement for No Frills workers in Ontario marks a significant achievement for improved wages and full-time employment opportunities. With public support and pressure, the agreement sets a precedent for fair compensation in the grocery store industry. The fight for workers’ rights and decent pay continues, aiming to uplift all grocery store workers across Canada.