Members of UFCW Eastern Provinces Council Local 1288P working at four Atlantic Superstore locations across New Brunswick have ratified a new collective agreement that delivers significant wage increases, improved premiums, and new job opportunities for workers.
The new agreement provides strong wage gains for both full-time and part-time employees. Full-time staff will receive an immediate $2.25 wage increase, followed by an additional $0.50 per year over the life of the agreement. Part-time employees will receive a $1.70 increase with a further $0.25 per year to follow. Part-time specialty employees, including meat cutters, bakers, and decorators, will see a bump of $1.90 with an additional $0.35 per year moving forward.
The night shift premium has increased to $1.50 per hour, while the premium for employees working at the customer service desk has been raised to $1.00 per hour, recognizing the additional responsibilities these roles carry.
Members also secured recognition for employees who step into additional responsibilities. Any employee who is asked to replace a manager on duty will now receive an additional $80 per week on top of their regular wages.
The contract also includes improvements to benefits and allowances. Part-time employees will now receive their vacation pay directly on their pay cheques, providing more immediate access to their earned benefits. The annual safety footwear allowance has also been increased to $85 to help workers cover the cost of required protective footwear.
In addition, the company has agreed to create four new full-time positions, helping expand stable employment opportunities within these workplaces.
This agreement reflects the strength of workers coming together to negotiate improvements that recognize their contributions and support good jobs in communities across New Brunswick.
