United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Locals 175 & 633: New Rexall Pharma Plus agreement creates more than 180 new full-time jobs

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, April 20, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- More than 2,800 Unionized employees at Rexall Pharma Plus stores in Ontario have achieved a new three-year collective agreement. Members of the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 175 ratified the contract at a series of meetings that took place April 16 and 17 across the province.

“This agreement makes important improvements for these workers,” said Shawn Haggerty, President of UFCW Local 175. “We secured more than 180 new full-time jobs and 101 of those will give employees the opportunity to make significantly more. I'm proud of what the Union's negotiating committee accomplished for the Members at Rexall and Pharma Plus.”

The new agreement establishes minimum employment guidelines, which result in the creation of approximately 80 new full-time positions. The employer will also fill at least 101 new full-time Keyholder positions by the end of the first year of the agreement. This position will have a rate of $18.25 per hour, which will increase to $19.25 per hour effective January 1, 2019. All job classifications receive significant wage increases to the top rates over the life of the contract. This includes language to ensure rates always stay ahead of the minimum wage.

The three-year contract covers 2,800 full and part-time employees at 220 stores in Ontario operating under the Rexall Pharma Plus banners. The parties met over eight days before requesting the assistance of a Ministry of Labour Conciliation Officer for the last five days of bargaining.

UFCW Locals 175 & 633 represents 70,000 Union Members across Ontario working in many sectors of the economy.

For more information contact:

Tim Deelstra
Engagement & Media Relations Strategist
UFCW Locals 175 & 633 media@ufcw175.com
(226) 750-4366 Cell
(800) 565-8329 Office