Effective immediately, the hourly wages of food clerks will go up from $11 to $12.20. In the last year of the contract, the start rate rises to $12 and then to $12.50. Food clerks will enjoy wage increases up to $20. Workers will also receive MSP, dental and extended health benefits, as well as a lump sum payment of up to $1500. The vacation entitlement increases from three weeks to up to five weeks.

They ratified a collective agreement that increased wages by 11 percent. On February 10, a majority of Richmond and Metrotown members voted in favour of accepting the contract.

The bargaining committee unanimously recommended the agreement.

“It was a very challenging set of negotiations,” said Secretary-Treasurer Kim Novak. “But we’re confident we got the best possible contract.”

UFCW 1518 represents more than 20,000 workers in the food retail, food processing, health care and professional sectors in British Columbia.