Food Basics workers ratify new five-year contract

Unifor members at Metro Inc.-owned Food Basics have ratified a new five-year contract.

The union said the deal included significant wage increases, pension and benefit enhancements and improved job protections against automation.

Over the life of the contract, full-time workers at the Ontario-based discount banner will receive a $4.50/hour wage increase, which includes a $2.00 per hour wage increase in the first year of the agreement. 

Part-time workers will receive a $3.20/hour wage increase, which includes a $1.50 per hour wage increase upfront in the first year of the agreement. 

The new collective agreement also includes an increase in employer pension contributions, the creation of new full-time positions and a provision that no workers will be laid off as a direct result of the implementation of self-serve checkouts. 

Food Basics workers achieved Unifor's wage increase pattern that was set in Metro negotiations in 2023. Since then, the union has bargained similar contracts for grocery workers at No Frills, Metro, Sobeys and Loblaws.