The NDU has negotiated a new Collective Agreement with Progressive Enterprises for workers in the Woolworths, Countdown and Foodtown supermarkets.

The agreement is currently going to meetings of union members at all stores for ratification. Early indications are that it is being very well received.

The new agreement provides for wage increases of 3% plus 2% in the fi rst year and a further 2% and 3% in the second year.

The first increase will come into effect on 30 May 2011 and the new rates will start to be paid from the 8 August 2011 with back pay to 30 June 2011 for union members.

The second year increase will also be paid two months early for union members.

As part of the settlement the company also agreed to pay the cost of the funeral benefi t insurance for union members and a night shift allowance for all union members who work between 1am and 5am, and a number of other benefits.

Faith Harrison who has been attending negotiations for many years said, “This is the best settlement ever, we are now really looking forward to the salaried workers working party and getting some security around hours of work”.

(Source: National Distribution Union)