Surrey, B.C. – August 24, 2019 – UFCW Local 1518 members working at Fresh St. Market in Surrey have achieved a new union contract that provides wage gains and improved benefits.

Under the new four-year collective agreement, members will enjoy several wage improvements, including a starting rate that is 40 cents above minimum wage.

In addition, all members will be placed on the new wage grid based on their total hours from date of hire, including their career hours and hours credited for previous agreement. And the wage grid progression has been shortened by over 4160 hours, which means members earn more money in a shorter period. Add this to the ability to be scheduled up to 40 hours a week according to seniority, and members have even more financial opportunity in this agreement.

“This is a really strong contract and I am proud of the members for this achievement,” says Kim Novak, President of UFCW 1518. “When workers stand in solidarity, we are powerful and we can accomplish great things together,” she adds.

The union also negotiated a health and welfare benefit package that is 100 percent employer paid, with new benefits including a drug card, massage, physiotherapy, dental, and extended health coverage, among other benefits. All statutory leaves, such as compassionate care and family responsibility, were added and pregnancy and parental leaves were enhanced. Other highlights include seniority-based job posting, work protection, and more vacation.

The union negotiating committee was comprised of UFCW 1518 members Breanna Gillmor and Bryana McConnell, with assistance from Director Kim Balmer and Union Representative Ronda Melbourne. To read more about the new union contract at Fresh St. Market in Surrey, click here.

UFCW Canada Local 1518 represents 22,000 members working in the community health, retail, industrial, and professional sectors across British Columbia. To learn more about UFCW 1518 and its outstanding work, visit the Local Union’s website.

How can I enjoy the benefits of a UFCW contract?

Are you a non-unionized worker who would like to enjoy the benefits of a UFCW Canada collective agreement? Do you and your co-workers want to gain the union advantage at work? Join Canada’s best union, UFCW Canada, and make your workplace better today. Click here to join now.