Unifor members at Waste Management Canada Corp. (WM) have ratified a new three-year contract, concluding a nearly month-long strike.
The agreement, reached on May 28, addresses several critical issues that led to the labour dispute, including what the union called forced overtime and work-life balance.
“We’re proud of our members for standing up for a healthier work environment,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “WM workers provide skilled and crucial waste management services in the southwestern Ontario region and they’re ready to get back to work and serve their communities.”
What’s in the deal
The new contract includes improvements for the 60 Unifor Local 4268 members. Key provisions include wage increases of $1.90 per hour in the first year, $1.25 per hour in the second year, and $1.15 per hour in the third year, aligning with the current market value for safety-sensitive workers in the industry.
Lead hands will receive an additional 50 cents per hour, and all members will get a $300 signing bonus.
“Our committee worked very hard to put parameters around the demands for mandatory overtime that reflected our members’ needs for work-life balance,” said Local 4268 President Debbie Montgomery. “We all know that work-life balance is important to the vitality of not only the workforce, but contributes to the well-being of workers’ families, as well as their mental health.”
Four day workweek?
Additionally, the company has agreed to meet with the union within six months to discuss the possibility of implementing a four-day workweek. This commitment represents a significant step towards improving the work-life balance for the WM employees.
The strike, which began on May 2, 2024, involved drivers, mechanics, and technicians who service commercial businesses in Stoney Creek, Hamilton, Niagara, Brantford, and surrounding areas. Notably, these workers do not provide residential services.
Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union, represents 315,000 workers across various industries.