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Unionized workers at Jamieson approve new collective agreement with 20.5% wage hike

More than 315 unionized workers at Jamieson, represented by Unifor Local 195, have ratified a new collective agreement, ending a 34-day strike.

After several weeks of what the union called “very challenging negotiations,” Unifor and Jamieson Laboratories in Windsor, Ont. reached the tentative agreement on March 2.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for holding steady during some difficult negotiations and fighting for a contract their members could support,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “As well, my sincere thanks to our members and their families, for showing up on the picket line, day in and day out, remaining strong in your resolve and solidarity.”

Members voted 72% in favour of the deal on March 5.

Wage increases, signing bonus

The new four-year contract – which is in effect Feb. 1, 2024 to Jan. 31, 2028 – includes significant wage increases, including a $5.50 an hour wage hike over the life of the agreement, a 20.5% increase.

Production workers will receive a $2.50 hr increase upon ratification and a $1 an hour increase in each year of the last three years of the collective agreement.

Skilled Trades workers will receive a $4 an hour bump in year one and $1.75 an hour increase over the remainder of the contract.

Full-time production and Skilled Trades workers will also receive a $3,000 ratification bonus.

Overtime, increase to vision coverage

The agreement includes improvements to the language to provide for a more equitable distribution of overtime, increases to vision and eye exams and additional call-in days.

“We are pleased with the deal,” said Unifor Local 195 President Emile Nabbout.

“Through this challenging economy, the workers at Jamieson have produced one of the best known and most trusted brand of vitamins and health supplements and they deserve to receive their fair share.”

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 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.