New supports for casual workers

When negotiating for a renewed Facilities contract, your bargaining team worked to address concerns raised by casual workers. 

That’s why in addition to the new or improved provisions that apply to all members, there are a set of wage, benefit and rights gains in the 2022-2025 Facilities collective agreement that apply to casuals. 

Here’s the list of improved casual-related provisions that are part of the new collective agreement: 

• In Lieu Pay - Pay in lieu of scheduled vacations and statutory holidays was increased to 13 per cent from 12.6 per cent of the value of all hours worked retroactive to April 1, 2022. 
• Paid Sick Leave - You are now entitled to five paid sick days per year. 
• Footwear - You can now be reimbursed up to $125 a year for required Canadian Standard Association certified grade one or two protective toecap or electrical protective footwear, if you work more than 1,000 straight-time hours in the preceding calendar year. 
• Probationary Period Improvements - New changes to probationary period language now make it clear a casual employee who has not completed a 488-hour probationary period before posting into a regular position will either serve a 225-hour probationary period in their new position or complete the remainder of their probationary period, whichever is greater. Previously, casuals had to serve an additional 488-hour probationary period, if they had not completed their probation prior to posting into a regular position. 
• Vacation - Casuals who successfully bids into a temporary position with a duration of six months or more will now have the choice of accruing vacation just like regular employees during the term of the temporary position or continue to be paid a percentage in lieu. 

This bulletin is part of a series of updates about the renewed Facilities collective agreement. Watch this space for future updates. If you have questions about any of these provisions, please contact your shop steward.