Toronto – July 26, 2016 – UFCW Canada Local 175 members working at five Hertz Canada locations across the Greater Toronto Area have ratified a new three-year collective agreement.

The more than one hundred UFCW 175 members covered by the new contract work at Hertz locations at the Pearson Airport, Union Station, Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport, in Scarborough, and at Hudson's Bay.

As per the new agreement, wages increase by 55 cents per hour in each year of the deal, and a new shift premium of 25 cents per hour will be paid for off-airport vehicle service agents (VSAs) assigned to perform return-work and ancillary duties.

Improvements have been made as well to short-term disability payments, which have now been doubled to provide $500 per week in coverage. The company will also now reimburse members $20 in the event that a doctor's note is required for an absence. As of January 1, 2017, the dental maximum increases by 25% to cover up to $1,250 per year for basic services, and eye glass coverage also improves to provide $300 per 24-month period.

Language regarding unused sick days now provides up to 200% payout for those with 10 unused sick days, 150% for those with five to nine unused days, and 100% for those with four or fewer.

Further language improvements address layoffs, and provide enhanced job security including better job posting notices, and ensuring that no cross-bargaining unit work can be done without the agreement of the union.

The union negotiating committee included James Anthony, Lily Tan, Ruddy Velupillai and union representative Jehan Ahamed.