Unifor Local 324-19 Bargaining Committee photo Left to Right: Local 324 President Katrina Peterson, Unifor Northern Area Director Stephen Boon, Jess Badiuk, Employee Representative. Supplied photo

A new deal is in place for unionized employees at Weechi-it-te-win Family Services in Fort Frances.

The over 55 members of Unifor voted 96 per cent in favour of a three-year deal that includes wage increases of 3 per cent each year.

There is also a new $300 annual health spending account, increased on-call pay and improved sick pay provisions.

Other components include;

• new 7th week of vacation after 25 years of service;
• 8.3% increase in employer pension contributions and transition to a defined benefit pension plan;
• $125 increase in vision care to $500;
• increased major dental up to $3,000 annually and orthodontic coverage from $3,000 to $5,000;
• improved vacation and contract language.

‘We are thrilled to see these valuable workers secure a long-term contract with solid wage increases and a number of key improvements,” states Katrina Peterson, Unifor Local 324 President. “This agency has been performing a vital, yet sometimes under-appreciated role in protecting vulnerable Indigenous community members across the region, and this new deal provides much-needed stability for both Unifor members and the Weechi-it-te-win Family Services.”

Weechi-it-te-win Family Services is an Indigenous-based child welfare agency that provides child care, alternative care, family preservation, psychological services, capacity building, family counselling, outpatient treatment for families, developmental support services, cultural support and youth in transition programs for members of nine Partner First Nations across the Rainy River District.

The new deal is retroactive to last September.