My union negotiated a contract which helped all of my co-workers

 

Name: Amit Mohindroo

Occupation: Cashier

Union: United Food and Commercial Worker’s Local 1518

I started working part-time at a Vancouver Safeway store in 2002 while studying accounting to upgrade my skills. I had completed my Bachelor of Commerce degree in India, and my family and I moved to Canada in 1999 in search of a better life, and my union has been a big help in that search.

I was impressed my union was able to negotiate a far better contract than in previous years. In the last contract I couldn’t make more than $12.15 an hour but now I can make up to $25.11 by 2012. With the new contract I can now work up to the top rate and get better benefits.

I have five people in my family, two little boys, one daughter and my wife who all need health care and dental care. Thanks to the union each of us has $1,500 we can spend on dental coverage a year and we have extended health benefits too.

I believe in unions because they protect us if anything goes wrong in the store, and it works as a good mediator if you are scared to talk to management directly.

I am glad to be part of a union and for the opportunities it has provided me. I’m now working full-time at a Safeway store and look forward to advancing on the job.