UFCW 501 members at Conagra ratify new agreement
Boisbriand, Que. – April 17, 2018 – After a long and tough set of negotiations, UFCW Canada Local 501 members working at ConAgra Foods in Boisbriand, Quebec have ratified a new collective agreement.
Sticking points revolved around non-monetary clauses dealing with lockouts, management rights, and weekend scheduling. However, the new contract was overwhelmingly ratified by members and includes the following gains:
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Union acknowledgement of “zero tolerance” with regards to precautionary equipment lockouts;
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An amendment to the contract’s article on management rights, making it possible to negotiate all conditions relating to workplace changes or the elimination of positions;
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Increases at the bottom of the wage scale to limit wage losses for workers who are transferred to positions in a lower category due to temporary layoffs; and
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Maintaining existing overtime provisions.
“Despite the employer’s demands for major concessions, the Conagra members have the advantage of being well-represented by a very strong international union,” says Alain Lachaîne, the President of UFCW Canada Local 501. “These members benefit from the solidarity and support of a union that has expertise in fighting for workers in the food processing sector, and staunchly defending members’ rights in the workplace,” he adds.