Canada Cartage agrees on new contract with union

Canada Cartage employees represented by Unifor Local 222 in Oshawa have ratified a new collective agreement that includes wage increases of approximately 15 per cent over four years.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for their outstanding work,” said Unifor national president Lana Payne. “This agreement continues the pattern of winning solid gains for our members throughout 2024.”

Canada Cartage is the exclusive transportation provider for the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) in most of the Greater Toronto Area, as well as northern, central and eastern Ontario. The company delivers goods from LCBO’s Whitby distribution centre to retail stores, grocery stores and convenience outlets.

The new agreement covers about 115 workers employed in roles such as AZ and DZ drivers, shunt drivers, dock workers and maintenance staff.

The contract includes several improvements, such as an enhanced shift premium and a newly established “LCBO Premium” recognizing the expertise required to serve as Ontario’s primary logistics provider for liquor distribution.

Workers will also benefit from stronger protections for bargaining unit work and significant changes to overtime provisions. Under the new terms, all sixth and seventh shifts will qualify as overtime, replacing the previous requirement of 60 hours per week before overtime kicked in.

Unifor Local 222 president Jeff Gray said the negotiation process was challenging, particularly due to the risk of contract flipping by the LCBO. However, he said the deal provides members with greater financial security in a difficult economic climate.

“The bump in wages and reducing the time before our members reach overtime will benefit them at a time where they’re facing economic instability,” said Gray. “These members are specialized in being the main logistics provider for the province’s liquor industry. We’re glad to see they are being recognized for that.”

The new contract expires on Nov. 3, 2028.