Collective Agreement Toronto Zoo

The Toronto Zoo and its employees reached a collective agreement in March 2021, ending months of negotiations and potential strike action. The agreement, which covers approximately 400 unionized employees, details wages, benefits, and working conditions for the next four years.

One of the main issues discussed during the negotiations was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the zoo and its workforce. The agreement includes provisions for paid pandemic leave, enhanced cleaning protocols, and personal protective equipment for employees. The agreement also addresses job security for employees affected by staffing reductions due to pandemic-related budget cuts.

The agreement also includes wage increases for unionized employees over the next four years. The first increase of 1.75% was retroactive to January 1, 2021, followed by increases of 1.5%, 1.25%, and 1.5% in the following years. In addition to wage increases, the agreement includes a $750 signing bonus for each employee.

The collective agreement also includes improvements to benefits for unionized employees, including enhancements to dental benefits and an increased vision care allowance. The agreement also includes a new extended health care plan that covers items such as wellness programs, counselling services, and physiotherapy.

The Toronto Zoo and its employees have a long history of negotiating collective agreements. The previous agreement expired in 2019, and negotiations for a new agreement began in early 2020. Negotiations were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in the fall of 2020. The four-year agreement reached in March 2021 provides stability for both the zoo and its unionized employees.

In conclusion, the collective agreement between the Toronto Zoo and its unionized employees addresses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the workforce and provides wage increases, benefits improvements, and job security for employees. The agreement is a positive outcome for both the zoo and its employees and ensures a stable working environment for the next four years.