Bethany-Aramark Ratify New Contract by 73%
July 29, 2022
Bethany-Aramark in Red Deer ratified their collective agreement by 73% last week. Bargaining team member Jodi Crozier spoke to us about her first-time bargaining, representing her fellow Aramark workers.
“My experience sitting on the Negotiating Committee for the first time was quite educational! Over the past three years as a Shop Steward, I’ve been approached by other staff with things they would like to see improved from our first agreement,” remarked Jodi. “I took these concerns to negotiations, and with the years of knowledge and experience of Ricardo and Abdi, we obtained most of what our members wanted.”
Highlights include:
- 10% wage increase over four years. (3% in the first year, 2% in the second, 2% in the third, and 3% in the fourth year);
- Introduction of evening and weekend premiums;
- Introduction of footwear allowance;
- Interesting new language allows for an unlimited number of activists in the workplace that can do orientations, education, and investigations but would not be able to do disciplines or submit grievances;
- A contract article recognizing the union’s role in society and union governance and finance language; and
- Enhanced Respect and Dignity language to include whistleblower protection.
“Not all we proposed was approved, but overall, we got financial improvements such as raises and shift premiums. We received a clothing allowance and an additional day of bereavement leave, among other improvements,” continued Jodi. “I feel we gained significant enhancements, and I hope to be part of the bargaining committee again if I get the opportunity.”
Congratulations to UFCW 401 members at Red Dear Aramark and our profound appreciation to this bargaining team. We are never fiercer than when we stand together, and this round of negotiations is a testament to that.
For a copy of the accepted settlement offer and information on the union dues structure changes, please click HERE. And for a printable version of this update, click HERE.
If you have questions about your new Collective Agreement, please contact Abdi Guled at 403-342-0150 or aguled@ufcw401.ab.ca.
The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 401 is Alberta’s largest private-sector union with 32,000 members working in diverse sectors of the Alberta economy, including food processing, retail, education, entertainment, healthcare, and hospitality.
Posted on: July 29,2022