BRAMPTON, ON, July 29, 2011 – After months of negotiations, Workers United union members at two WINNERS distribution centres have overwhelmingly ratified a three year collective agreement with significant improvements. Winners Merchants Inc., a major Canadian retailer, operates two distribution centres, one in Brampton and one in Mississauga, which service all of their retail stores across the country. WINNERS currently employs 1400 workers at the two distribution centres, most of who live in the Brampton and Mississauga area.
Among the many improvements, the three year contract includes wage increases, improvements to the pension plan, and increases to health benefits for employees. “We worked hard and are truly proud of the contract we negotiated. Negotiating with the company was tough, but we stood strong!” exclaimed Michelle Palmer, a 15 year Winners employee and member of the union’s bargaining committee.
The union was also able to guarantee permanent full-time jobs to 250 temporary workers, not previously covered by the union, bringing the workforce up to 1650 workers by the end of next year. “Companies these days are relying more and more on temporary workers; they have no job security, low wages, no benefits and no pension. Because of the perseverance of the bargaining committee, Winners will hire an additional 250 workers who were previously temporary employees at the distribution centre. Now, these workers will become full-time employees, with union wages and benefits, pension, and seniority rights”, said Alex Dagg, Canadian Director of Workers United, “This is big victory.”
Reaching an agreement between the Union and Winners was a lengthy and difficult process, the company wanted to maintain the status quo with temporary workers, but the union was determined to create more permanent jobs at the Brampton and Mississauga distribution centres. “When so many companies rely on temporary workers, it’s important that our union pushed for full-time jobs.”, said Inderdeep Sidhu, local union president, bargaining committee member and 5 year employee at the distribution centre. “This could only be done with commitment and determination of the union.”
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