The employees of Aramark Refreshment Services in Edmonton are over the moon as they revel in the news of their recent triumph. Their local union, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 401, has announced a new contract that has them all beaming with joy. And who can blame them? This new deal includes a staggering 13.5% wage increase over the course of 4 years, a significant jump from the mere 11% increase they received over 6 years in the previous contract, when adjusting for inflation. This means that the new deal will go a long way in helping employees keep up with the ever-rising cost of living.

But that’s not all! The workers have not only secured a handsome pay increase, but also a range of other benefits from their employer. They will now receive an extra $300 annually for health-related costs, an additional $50 for prescription eyeglass coverage, and beefed-up uniform and shoe benefits. And as if that wasn’t enough, vacation time has also been substantially improved, with workers now eligible for 4 paid weeks off after just 5 years of employment, as opposed to the previous requirement of 9 years.

The new contract is a substantial improvement in terms of pay, ensuring that wages keep up with the cost of goods and services due to inflation. In the last 8 years, inflation has averaged at 2.63%, but Aramark workers will now receive a pay increase averaging 3.375% per year. It’s a significant step in the right direction. And with the new benefits, particularly the additional health-related spending account, it’s clear that the workers have come out on top in this round of negotiations.

This new contract symbolizes a fantastic win for the employees of Aramark. They can now look forward to far more attractive terms than they experienced in the past. The improved wages and benefits they have fought for demonstrate the power of collective bargaining and its real, positive impact on the lives of working people. This is a tale of victory well-worth telling!