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UFCW 711 Contract 2020: What You Need to Know
If you are a worker in the retail, grocery, or meatpacking industry in Northern California or Nevada, you may be covered by the contract negotiated by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 711 with your employer for the year 2020. This contract, which affects over 30,000 union members, regulates your wages, benefits, hours, and working conditions, as well as the procedures for resolving disputes and grievances.
In this article, we will explore some of the key features of the UFCW 711 Contract 2020, based on the publicly available summary and highlights provided by the union. Please note that this article is not intended to replace or interpret the actual language of the contract, and that your particular situation may vary depending on your job classification, seniority, and other factors.
Wages and Benefits
One of the most important aspects of any labor contract is the compensation package. The UFCW 711 Contract 2020 provides for a general wage increase of $1.50 per hour over the three-year term of the agreement, starting with a retroactive pay raise of $0.75 per hour for all hours worked since August 12, 2019, when the previous contract expired. The remaining increases will be $0.50 per hour on August 10, 2020, and $0.25 per hour on August 9, 2021. This means that by the end of the contract, the minimum wage for most covered employees will be at least $15 per hour, which is the legal minimum in many jurisdictions.
In addition to the base pay, the UFCW 711 Contract 2020 also includes various bonuses, differentials, and premiums for certain types of work or conditions. For example, workers who handle hazardous materials such as ammonia or chlorine will receive an extra $1.25 per hour, while those who work in the meatpacking or food processing industry will get a higher hourly rate than other workers, ranging from $0.45 to $1.00 per hour depending on the job. There are also provisions for paid holidays, vacations, sick leave, and health insurance, although the details vary depending on the plan and the coverage.
Hours and Overtime
Another important aspect of the UFCW 711 Contract 2020 is the regulation of working hours and overtime. The contract provides for a maximum of eight hours per day or 40 hours per week, with any additional work considered overtime and paid at time and a half. There are exceptions for certain jobs that require longer shifts or different schedules, such as security guards, bakers, or overnight stock clerks, but these are subject to specific rules and limitations.
The contract also includes provisions for scheduling and notice, which means that employers must inform workers of their shifts at least two weeks in advance and cannot change them without proper notice or compensation. There are also rules for breaks, meal periods, and rest periods, although these may vary depending on the industry or the location.
Grievances and Arbitration
Finally, the UFCW 711 Contract 2020 provides for a system of grievances and arbitration to resolve disputes between the union and the employer. This system allows workers to file complaints or claims related to any aspect of the contract, such as wages, hours, benefits, safety, discrimination, or harassment. The contract specifies the steps and procedures for filing, investigating, and resolving grievances, which may involve meetings, hearings, or mediation.
If the union and the employer cannot reach a resolution, the contract allows for binding arbitration, which means that an independent third party will decide the case based on the evidence presented and the interpretation of the contract. Arbitration is usually less expensive and faster than litigation, but it also limits the rights of appeal and may not always result in a favorable outcome for the worker.
Conclusion
The UFCW 711 Contract 2020 is a complex and comprehensive agreement that affects the lives and livelihoods of thousands of workers in Northern California and Nevada. Whether you are a union member or not, it is important to understand your rights and obligations under the contract, as well as the opportunities and challenges that it presents. By staying informed and involved, you can help to ensure a fair and decent workplace for yourself and your colleagues.