By David Klassen
Safeway employees across Manitoba ratified a new four-year agreement on Sunday.
Members of UFCW Local 832 voted 94.7 percent in favour of the deal during votes held simultaneously in Winnipeg, Brandon, Steinbach, Selkirk, Neepawa, Dauphin and Thompson.
In the first agreement since Sobeys purchased Safeway last year, members will see wage increases of $1.75 over four years, the elimination of two-tier scheduling, significant improvements to benefits, pension and some shift premiums.
“We had a strong turnout for the strike vote in February and with that mandate we were able to go back to the table and bargain a strong contract. We are protecting workers for today and tomorrow,” said union president Jeff Traeger.
The new agreement takes effect immediately.
