Ottawa – July 29, 2016 – UFCW Canada Local 1006A members working at the Baton Rouge Steakhouse & Bar in Ottawa recently voted to ratify their first-ever union contract, which provides gains to all members. 

The new contract covers 65 members who work as servers, bartenders, kitchen staff, and hostesses at the popular restaurant. The members joined the union earlier this year to obtain better pay, equal treatment in the workplace, and respect and fairness on the job.

As per the new contract, members will receive the following gains:

• Improvements to scheduling (ability to pick shifts based on seniority);

• Gratuity for banquets for staff involved (previously no gratuity was given for banquets);

• Improved vacation pay above and beyond the Employment Standards Act;

• Reduced member contributions to Health & Welfare costs;

• Workers now have a grievance procedure to help them if their rights under the collective agreement are being violated;

• Payout of tips in cash twice a week;

• Service charge to be determined and distributed by committee members and not the employer — a first in the restaurant industry.

"As the union for restaurant workers in Ontario, UFCW Canada Local 1006A is proud to have achieved this excellent first agreement for the members at Baton Rouge," says UFCW Canada Local 1006A President Wayne Hanley. "When workers come together through their union, they have a tremendous ability to create change in the workplace. Thank you to our membership for your support and to our bargaining committee for your outstanding work."