Food service workers at Toronto’s Humber College have ratified a new collective agreement with Compass Group, avoiding a potential strike.
The three-year deal covers 260 Unifor Local 414 members working at the college’s North and Lakeshore campuses. Members voted to accept the agreement on Nov. 27.
Wage increases
The agreement includes a $1-per-hour wage increase effective immediately, followed by additional $1-per-hour raises in each of the next two years.
Many workers were earning just 15 cents above Ontario’s minimum wage before the new deal. The contract now guarantees base wages will remain at least 50 cents above the provincial minimum wage. Lead hands will receive an additional wage adjustment.
“Our members work incredibly hard to serve the students and staff at Humber College,” said Gord Currie, president of Unifor Local 414. “The gains reflected in this collective agreement, especially the immediate wage increase and commitment to ensuring wages stay meaningfully above minimum wage, are an important stride toward fair pay and greater security.”
New benefits and allowances
The agreement introduces a registered retirement savings plan for senior members. Other improvements include enhanced health benefits, an annual shoe allowance, and new provisions requiring the company to provide and replace uniforms.
“This collective agreement is a testament to the determination and solidarity of the food service workers at Humber College,” said Lana Payne, Unifor national president. “Our members stood together for better job standards and fair wages. Together, they achieved real, meaningful gains.”
Unifor represents 320,000 workers across Canada.
