Members of Unifor Local 195, totaling 317 employees at Jamieson Laboratories in Windsor, Ontario, have officially ended a 34-day strike by ratifying a new collective agreement, marking the conclusion of a prolonged period of negotiations.
The union members voted in favor of the deal with a 72% majority on March 5.
The resolution came after “several weeks of very challenging negotiations,” according to Unifor, and was reached on March 2. The new four-year contract, effective from February 1, 2024, to January 31, 2028, promises substantial wage increases and additional benefits for the employees.
Under the terms of the agreement, production workers will see an initial wage increase of $2.50 per hour upon ratification, followed by a $1 per hour increase in each of the subsequent three years. Skilled Trades workers are set to receive a $4 per hour increase in the first year and a $1.75 per hour increase throughout the rest of the contract duration. Furthermore, all full-time production and Skilled Trades workers will benefit from a $3,000 ratification bonus.
The agreement also includes improvements aimed at ensuring a more equitable distribution of overtime, enhancements to vision care, including eye exams, and an increase in additional call-in days.
Unifor National President Lana Payne extended congratulations to the bargaining committee for their steadfastness during the negotiation process, highlighting the support and solidarity shown by members and their families throughout the strike.
Emile Nabbout, President of Unifor Local 195, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing that the workers at Jamieson, known for producing a well-regarded brand of vitamins and health supplements, deserve a fair share, especially in the face of a challenging economy.