Metro warehouse workers negotiate significant wage gains to end strike action

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Unifor Local 414 Metro Distribution Centre members
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TORONTO–– Unifor members at Metro Distribution Centre warehouses have negotiated significant wage gains in a new collective agreement, ending a seven-day strike action. 

“This collective agreement achieves the best maximum pay rate and fastest progression in the industry. There is no doubt that it will raise the bar for warehouse workers across Ontario,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Naureen Rizvi. “Unifor has negotiated an inflation beating increase of more than 8% on average in the first year in addition to pension and benefit wins.”

The more than 900 full-time workers at the Metro warehouse distribution centre locations in Etobicoke, Ontario will receive an average wage increase of 15.8% over the lifetime of the new 4.5-year collective agreement.

“The pandemic has shown the value of these frontline workers and this new agreement reflects the level of respect that they deserve,” said Frank Reynolds, Unifor Local 414 Unit Chairperson . “This contract ensures that our members will continue to lead the warehouse sector.”

Highlights of the new collective agreement include: 

•    Significant wage increases for all members, including new hires
•    $2.25 per hour increase in first year – paid retroactively to October 24, 2021 
•    Higher shift premiums for freezer work
•    Shortened wage progression to reach max rate
•    Pension and benefit improvements 
•    No concessions 

As the union for warehouse workers, Unifor’s ‘Warehouse Workers Unite’ campaign gives voice to workers to improve working conditions in warehousing, distribution and logistics facilities across the country.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector and represents 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future. 

For media inquiries or to arrange a Skype, Zoom or Facetime interview please contact Unifor Communications Representative Kathleen O’Keefe at @email or 416-896-3303 (cell).