UFCW 1006A members working as security guards at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance have ratified a new union contract.
When the agreement was previously negotiated a few years ago, workers’ wages were suppressed and held to a mandated 1 per cent under Bill 124. At the time, the union included language in the contract, which provided workers with the ability to renegotiate if Bill 124 was repealed. When it was finally repealed this February, the union was able to achieve significant retroactive wage gains for the membership in addition to the 1 per cent increase. This means members will receive an 11.75 per cent increase over the term of the agreement, instead of 3 per cent. The union’s foresight into the unconstitutionality of Bill 124 has resulted in this significant win for our membership
“The union helped us to take several major steps forward with our contract,” said Aaron Bak, a negotiating committee member. "The negotiations went quickly, smoothly and most importantly, amicably. As a security team, we're pretty happy with how things went during these negotiations.”
The agreement term is from March 1, 2021 to February 28, 2025 and covers 35 members.
“I am proud to congratulate our members at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on achieving a fair and strong new union contract,” said President Wayne Hanley. “UFCW 1006A is proud to be the best union for security guards in Ontario. This contract shows the difference that union representation can make.”
The negotiating committee included member, Aaron Bak and Executive Assistant to the President and Director of Security Guards, Jeff Ketelaars.
Highlights
- Achieved wage increases of 11.75 per cent (inclusive of retroactive pay) over the term of the agreement.
- Shift premiums.
- Additional Shop Steward position.
