UFCW 333 security guard members receive pay increase during COVID-19

After consultation with the Commissionaires in Ontario, UFCW Canada Local 333 Secretary-Treasurer Jeff Ketelaars announced that members of UFCW Local 333, who are employed in the security sector by the Commissionaires, will be receiving a $2/hour wage increase during the COVID-19 crisis, effective April 6, 2020.

The Commissionaires told UFCW 333, “We will maintain the premium for as long as this crisis lasts or at least as long as we can financially sustain it. We hope security clients will agree to show their support, and we hope other security agencies will follow our lead.”

In the event of a temporary layoff resulting from COVID-19, the Commissionaires also agreed to assist in the processing of applications for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

“Our members provide a variety of security services at numerous federal government and other private-sector worksites. As a result, the jobs they perform have been deemed essential services by the Ontario government,” said UFCW Local 333 President Richard McNaughton in a statement.

“They are front line workers providing an essential job, and we are glad that after consultation with the employer, the Commissionaires have decided to assist their employees, our members, by giving them a $2-an-hour wage increase during this crisis. This is the right thing to do.”

For their employees who may face temporary layoffs due to the crisis, the Commissionaires will explore ways to provide financial support in addition to government assistance through the CERB.