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LONDON, ONT.—Unifor members who work at Nestle’s London, Ont. ice cream production facility ratified a new three-year agreement by 86% and gained improvements to their wages, pension and benefits.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for fighting for such a great collective agreement,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
The collective agreement includes a 12.5% wage increase over the life of the contract, improvements to paramedical service benefits, and defined contribution pension plan improvements, that now include all hours worked, including vacation.
Unifor Local 2003E represents seven operating engineers at the London Nestle plant, who ensure safe operation and maintenance of the factory ammonia refrigeration system, steam boilers, potable water system, compressed air system, wastewater effluent plant, fire repression and alarm system.
Workers at the plant produce Lifesavers and Del Monte ice pops, Haagen Dazs, Parlour and Kirkland ice cream bars, regular sized and mini Drumstick cones, and Oreo ice cream sandwiches among other frozen treats.
“We headed into negotiations ready to send a message that the company had to address the past few years of inflation with a good contract and fair wages. This agreement addresses the concerns of members, from monetary to health,” said Unifor Local 2003E President Phillip Barbara.
The contract will expire Feb. 29, 2028.
Unifor also represents Local 252 Nestle workers in the company’s Toronto plant, which produces Kit Kat, Aero, and Coffee Crisp chocolate bars, as well as Smarties. Those members work as machine operators, bar packers, shippers and receivers, general labourers, and in Skilled Trades.
