New Contract At Hornby Island Co-op

Approximately 40 union members employed at Hornby Island Co-op have negotiated and ratified a new Collective Agreement by a vote of 87%.

Highlights include:

17.5% wage increase over life of agreement
Increase in relief wage rate
Start rates increase to $10.93 during this contract
Improved language for granting of time off for statutory holidays
Increase in sick leave benefits
Increase in compassionate leave
Improved language for take-a-break
Reduced time to move up the wage grid

The new agreement expires in November 30, 2011.

“The members at Hornby Island Co-op are one of the exceptional groups we have in the union,” said Ivan Limpright, President of UFCW Local 1518, “and I want to congratulate them on their new contract.”

Hornby Island is a small community of about 2,500 people, and the Hornby Island Co-op serves the needs of the island’s residents, as well as the large influx of tourists in the summer.

“The Co-op itself is located near the famous Tribune Bay beach and the summer season is the big season for the store,” said Limpright. “The Co-op is expanding and putting in a new gas bar, which should help the retail business grow and help the union’s members.”

“The members took a real interest in the negotiations process,” he said, “and thanks to all of them, and to the Union Negotiating Committee members Amanda Millan, Chris Olsen, and their Union Rep, Marg Hedges.”