Toronto – November 7, 2014 - HMS Host workers at Toronto Pearson International Airport recently achieved a new contract that brings improvements to wages, benefits, working conditions and much more in a three-year collective agreement.

The agreement, which was ratified on October 15, 2014 runs from December 12, 2013 to December 12, 2016.

As per the agreement, full-time workers with more than 6 months of service will receive a $600 lump sum, while full-time workers with less than 6 months of service will receive a $150 lump sum.

The union's bargaining committee also ensured that there have been increases in vision care benefits, bereavement leave allowance and that workers now have a 70 per cent discount on meals at all HMS Host locations at the airport.

Negotiations were led by local 1000A Director (Central Region) Don Taylor with support from Local 1000A staff and HMS Host members.

"This is a fair and reasonable deal with gains for everyone within the bargaining unit," Taylor said. "Our bargaining committee showed tremendous determination in fighting hard to represent the concerns and interest of our membership. The incredible work of our bargaining committee, combined with the strong support from our membership, were essential to achieving this deal."

HMS Host is home to 550 UFCW Local 1000A members.