Save-On workers get big boost in new contract

A new contract for Save-On-Foods workers across B.C. gives them "life-changing" wage hikes, their union says.

Enhancements include wage increases, particularly for new employees and those with less experience, more vacation for long-term workers, stronger job security, benefit improvements, and greater flexibility to transfer between stores.

“Our members have told us that these wage increases are life-changing,” Kim Novak, president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1518 said in a release.

“We consistently heard that broad wage increases for the lowest-paid Save-On-Foods members were the top priority, so that is what we fought for at the bargaining table,” said Erica Jones, another union official.

As a result of the newly-ratified contract, a Save-On employee who had been making $14.70 an hour is now making $15.60 an hour, and that will rise to $16.20 on June 1.

At the other end of the pay scale, an employee who was making over $20.75 an hour and who worked an average of 32 or more hours a week will receive a lump sum payment of $2,000 now and a further $750 in April.

There is also a wage increase next year, with the contract expiration in 2023.

There are six Save-On-Foods in the Central Okanagan.