Sobeys Ontario warehouse workers negotiate big wage increases, says Unifor

The union representing Sobeys warehouse workers in Ontario says they have ratified a four-year contract with "massive wage increases.''

Unifor says the agreement covering more than 500 workers at the distribution centre in Whitby includes a full-time pay increase of 19.5% over four years, including $2.74 per hour or 11.3% immediately, for employees with 8,000 or more hours of service.

Part-time wages increase $7 to $14 per hour over four years with junior employees getting an immediate $7-per-hour increase to earn the same hourly rate as full-time workers.

The immediate start rate increases $3.10 per hour for full-time and $7 per per hour for part-time.

Signing bonuses of $1,000 to $2,000 will be paid to those with 2,000 or more hours of service.

The grocer, owned by Empire Co. Ltd., will double its RRSP contribution to 5% over four years and add a sixth week of vacation at 26 years of seniority.

"Through collective bargaining, we were able to deliver a strong contract that includes a considerable pay boost for existing workers as well as future hires while also levelling the playing field for our part-time members,'' said Pat Twohey, Unifor Local 1090 bargaining chairman.

The new collective agreement expiring Feb. 28, 2026, was ratified Thursday by 84% of those who voted.