Mississauga, Ont. – April 3, 2015 – UFCW Canada Local 175 members working at AIM Health Group voted unanimously in favor of ratifying their first collective agreement, bringing gains to wages, benefits and more.

The three-year agreement provides wage increases for registered nurses, registered practical nurses, centre coordinators and receptionists at nine pain management clinics from Ottawa to London. Workers who do not receive an increase on the date of ratification will receive a $500 lump sum.

As per the new contract, overtime will now be paid after eight hours per day and 40 hours per week, where previously it was paid after 44 hours per week. Full-time employees who are called in on their day off will now be paid 1.5 times their hourly rate for all hours worked.

Part-time employees who regularly work 22.5 hours a week or more will now qualify for benefits, where previously it was 30 hours. Any part-time employees who do not qualify for benefits will now be paid 4% in lieu of benefits in addition to their bi-weekly pay. Part-time employees who work 22.5 hours per week will also qualify for 5 paid personal days, a reduction from the previously required 30 hours/week.

The first contract also brings gains to benefit premium costs, in which a portion will now be paid by the employer, as well as increases to reimbursement for prescription drugs and dental fee increases.

The employer will also contribute $500 per year to the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Training and Education Fund.