UFCW: the union for Ontario Farm Workers

UFCW: the union for Ontario Farm Workers

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UFCW Canada (the United Food and Commercial Workers Union) represents more than 255,000 members across Canada working in every sector of the food industry from field to table, including hundreds of agricultural workers across the country. For over 30 years, UFCW Canada has been the leading voice of, and advocate for, domestic and migrant agricultural workers.

Join to become part of the union for agriculture workers in Ontario. As a UFCW Canada member, you will receive support for workplace issues, as well as advice and assistance with your immigration processes.

 

How UFCW can help you at work

 

  • Wages and Pay

    As an agriculture worker in Ontario, you are entitled to Ontario’s minimum wage and the same protections enjoyed by local workers. As a union member, our Member Rights’ team can help you with unfair pay or missing wages.

  • Unfair Treatment

    Whether you are facing unfair discipline or harassment, you don’t have to face your employer alone. As a UFCW member, you can rely on our Member Rights’ Team to defend your job and ensure that you are treated fairly.

  • Safety and Respect

    You have a right to be safe at work! As a UFCW member, you will have access to one-on-one advice about health and safety, training, and more, to help ensure that you have a safe working environment.

  • Contract Enforcement

    UFCW Canada will help ensure that your employer honours your contract, and that you receive all the wages, benefits and protections that you are entitled to in the contract.
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Immigration Support for members

 

  • Open work permits

    Our Migrant Members’ Support Program can help you apply for an open work permit as a vulnerable worker.

    To obtain this work permit, you must demonstrate that you are experiencing, or are at risk of, psychological, physical, financial, or sexual abuse.

    Read more

  • Immigration support and workshops

    You will be able to get advice on your Canadian immigration options at no cost through our Migrant Members’ Support Program. In addition, you can join our free immigration workshops, which are held regularly at the Agricultural Workers’ Support Centre in Leamington, Ontario. These sessions cover essential topics, including federal and provincial permanent residency pathways, as well as other important programs.

  • Benefits in Mexico

    UFCW Canada has agreements with the Mexican federal government and various state governments. If you are a Mexican worker, you will be able to access productive projects, education, and training programs when you return home.

  • Translation support and ESL training

    As a union member, you will have access to free ESL training. In addition, our union provides translation and interpretation support for members during their immigration processes.
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Membership Benefits

 

  • Legal Support

    Legal Support

    UFCW members have access to expert advice and support for any issue you face at work, such as underpayment, disciplinary meetings, workplace safety, and more.

  • Crisis support

    Crisis support

    Our team will be here to support you in crisis situations: you will be able to call a Members’ Rights Team member who will provide you with one-on-one support in case of a crisis or emergency, such as a workplace injury.

  • Medical services support

    Medical services support

    As a union member, our team will help you navigate the Ontario health care system, from obtaining an OHIP card, driving you to doctors’ appointment and providing translation and interpretation services for you with medical providers.

  • Transportation

    Transportation

    Our team in Leamington will assist you with transportation to access government or financial institutions services. If you need help getting to a Service Canada, Service Ontario office, or a bank.

  • Education and courses

    Education and courses

    As a union member, you will have access to free education and training, including over 200+ online courses, free ESL courses and in-person workshops in Leamington.

  • Community events

    Community events

    UFCW Canada regularly hosts community events, such as barbeques, education workshops and more at the Agriculture Workers Support Centre in Leamington. All members are welcome!

  • Life insurance

    Life insurance

    Members are automatically covered in the union's life insurance program for agricultural workers, providing benefits for loss of life or limb.

  • Union discounts

    Union discounts

    Union members are entitled a variety of discount programs for financial, travel and more with our Union Savings program.