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Unifor Local 222 members at the Loblaws Distribution Centre in Ajax have voted overwhelmingly, by 91%, to ratify a new five-year collective agreement that delivers major wage gains, stronger benefits, and significant improvements to premiums and bonuses.
“This contract represents a major win for our members who keep the supply chain moving every single day,” said President of Unifor Local 222 Jeff Gray. “The bargaining committee worked tirelessly to achieve real improvements to wages and working conditions in a time when affordability is top of mind for every worker. I’m proud of the solidarity our members showed throughout this process.”
The new deal provides a $7-per-hour wage increase over the term of the agreement, with $2 upon ratification and another $1 in February, meaning members will see a full $3 raise within the first five months.
In addition, the agreement introduces a $2-per-hour freezer premium for all hours worked and increases to afternoon and night shift premiums.
All full-time and part-time workers will also receive a ratification signing bonus of $2,000 for those with four or more years of seniority and $1,000 for those with less than four years.
“These improvements are the result of tough, determined bargaining by a committee that never lost sight of what members wanted most, fair pay and respect on the job,” said Unifor Local 222 Bargaining Chair Kyle Coughlan. “We went into negotiations focused on ensuring the dedication and work of our members is fairly recognized, and we achieved that.”
The bargaining committee also secured significant gains to the benefits package. Any employee with 15 or more years of service will now have their top-tier benefit plan fully paid by the employer, eliminating the previous monthly costs of $50 for single coverage and $100 for family coverage.
The clerical progression scale has been reduced from five years to four, ensuring workers move up the wage grid faster. The agreement also provides for 15 Voluntary Termination and Early Retirement Packages (VTEPs) each year of the agreement, valued at up to $83,000 each.
“These are strong, fair gains that respect the hard work and dedication of Local 222 members,” said Gray. “The bargaining committee brought forward practical, member-driven solutions that make a real difference.”
Unifor Local 222 members at Loblaws Distribution Centres play a vital role in Canada’s grocery supply chain. Unifor Local 222 represents thousands of workers across multiple sectors in Ontario, including manufacturing, warehouse distribution, health care, and more.
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector and represents 320,000 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.
