Agreement for Toronto Marriott staff includes expanded benefits for dependants of part timers

Unifor members who work at the Toronto Marriott Bloor Yorkville have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new collective agreement, which includes expanded benefits for dependants of part-time employees.

The benefits will now include dental coverage, eye exams, prescription drugs and life insurance. The new agreement also includes an increase in pension contributions by 27 per cent over the term of the agreement, 10.6 per cent wage increases over three years with some classifications of employees receiving additional raises and a rise in banquet gratuity income by an additional four per cent, effective immediately.

Read: Unionized Bombardier staff secure pension, dental benefits improvements

“We are absolutely thrilled,” says Roberto Perez, a long-time Marriott houseperson and member of the bargaining committee. “We bargained right up to a strike deadline, and the strength and unity of my co-workers made it possible for us to set a new standard in the hotel industry.”

Unifor was also successful in creating a women’s advocate position in the collective agreement, as well as securing a mechanism for protecting workers from harassment by guests and introducing alert devices for room attendants.