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Tentative Agreement Reached - Membership Vote This Monday

We are happy to report that last night the union and Co-op management reached a tentative agreement on our first-ever union contract! We believe that this agreement addresses the core concerns that led us to form our union here at the Co-op, and achieves the major goals established by the membership at the beginning of the bargaining process.

Yesterday’s bargaining session focused on the two remaining topics: vacations and wages. We were able to secure changes to the vacation schedule that will allow more senior employees to accrue higher amounts of vacation earlier.

On wages, we reached agreement on a new wage scale that will establish minimum wage rates for all positions. This will provide increases for about 140 workers in the first year of the contract and about 220 in the second year who are currently paid less than these minimum rates. The biggest change is the increase to the store clerk rate by $1.70 by the beginning of the second year of the contract.

In addition, we also agreed that all bargaining unit members will receive a minimum $.45/hour wage increase upon ratification of the contract and again at the beginning of the second year of the contract. That means if your pay rate is not increased due to the new wage scale, you will receive a $.45/hour increase.

At the membership meetings Monday, we will review the tentative agreement in detail. Members will have the opportunity to ask questions and vote on the contract. This is an important meeting that will impact the next two years of our working lives - please make time to attend!

Reminder: Meetings to Vote on the Contract: Monday, March 16

We will hold three meetings to vote on our contract on Monday, March 16. Only union members will be allowed to participate. You can sign a union card at the meeting or by asking your steward in advance of the meeting. You must be present at the meeting to vote on the contract.

These meetings will take place on Monday March 16 at the following times and places:

• 10 a.m. at Crucible (3116 Commercial Ave.)
• 3 p.m. at 301 Harbour Town Dr. (1st floor function room)
• 8 p.m. at the Social Justice Center (1202 Williamson St.)