Ottawa – January 20, 2016 – UFCW Canada Local 175 members working at The Herb and Spice Shop in Ottawa have ratified their first collective agreement.

The Herb and Spice Shop is a speciality grocery and health food store that carries an extensive selection of natural food products, fresh baked goods, and locally grown fruit and vegetables.

The agreement includes wage increases of $0.25 per hour to the end rates of all classifications, language for temporary assignment premiums, and a safety boot allowance.

Each member will receive an additional 21 hours per year of sick leave time and the health spending account for full-time members will increase from $600 to $1000 per year.

Vacation increases include the addition of a third week of vacation paid at six percent after five years of service, and a fourth week of vacation paid at eight percent after ten years of service.

The Herb and Spice members' first contract also includes significant new language in the areas of health and safety, paid bereavement leave, and jury leave. As well, members will now have the protection of a collective agreement with a grievance procedure and union representation.

Herb and Spice Shop workers at two locations in Ottawa voted to join UFCW Canada Local 175 in April of last year.  

The union negotiating committee included Tina Barton, Mado Limoges, and Union Representative Simon Baker.