Canada's Private Sector Union

UFCW is the union for Arla workers

UFCW Canada: the union for Arla Foods workers

Did you know that UFCW members at Liberté and Agropur make $32-33 an hour, on top of dental, drug and vision plans paid by the employer?

In the dairy industry, UFCW members earn 30% more than non-union workers doing the same job!

UFCW is Canada's food workers' union, proudly representing workers at dairy facilities across the country, including plants like Arla.

Arla respects your right to join the union: many Arla plants in Europe are already unionized. Your coworkers there enjoy the benefits and protections that come with a union. Why shouldn't you?

Joining UFCW is completely confidential. Your employer can't find out if you have signed a union card.

Click here to join the union today

Know Your Rights in Ontario

As an Ontario worker, your right to join a union is protected by the Ontario Labour Relations Act. Ontario workers are guaranteed strong legal protections to join a union freely, without interference, coercion, or retaliation from employers.

The Labour Relations Act is the law in Ontario that allows workers to bargain collectively with their employers by joining a union. The Act protects the rights of workers who are either in the process of joining a union or are already represented by a union. UFCW Canada will ensure that your legal rights and freedoms at your workplace are protected.

You have the right to membership in a trade union, confidentiality for your union cards, and more.

Download the Union Kit: Know Your Rights here.

Dairy Food Processing Workers who have joined the union

How to Join the Union: Arla Foods Workers

If you are interested in gaining the union advantage and feel that you and your co-workers could benefit from a UFCW Canada collective agreement, we encourage you to join the union.

When you contact UFCW about joining the union, a UFCW Canada organizer will reach out to you to explain the benefits of union membership, and possible next steps for unionizing your workplace.

Remember, all contact with UFCW is completely confidential and free of charge. To learn more about joining the union, and how you can make your workplace better, visit UFCW Canada's Join the Union webpage.

Why dairy processing workers join the union

Union Yes

Being a member of UFCW Canada, means you will have an experienced voice in the workplace who can advocate for your interests. It also means that you will be protected by a collective agreement that can provide you and your colleagues with things like higher wages and better workplace health and safety. The union will help ensure you are treated with fairness and respect in the workplace.

Dairy processing workers join UFCW Canada because our union has a demonstrated track record of negotiating benefits and workplace improvements that help members thrive at work and build a better life. That is why UFCW Canada is the #1 choice for food processing workers from coast to coast.

Mo, a dedicated UFCW member from the Maritimes, speaks about the protections UFCW provides for workers on the job. From health and safety standards to fair treatment and job security, Mo emphasizes how the union ensures members have a strong voice at work.

His story shows why union representation is essential in protecting the people who keep our food system running.

Choosing UFCW Canada: Dairy Processing Workers

When dairy workers at Flulact Canada joined the union, their first union contract included wage increases, stable scheduling, paid sick days and more.

UFCW Canada can help you and your coworkers negotiate a similar agreement, including:

Leave entitlements, such as paid sick days
Improved workplace safety and zero-tolerance for harassment or discrimination
Wage increases and signing bonuses
Predictable scheduling
Grievance protections
Workplace protections
and more

Facts about Dairy Processing in Canada

Dairy contributes $20 billion to Canada’s GDP
There are 549 dairy plants in Canada
Dairy processing employs almost 30,000 workers
Canada exports $554 million worth of dairy products each year

Why UFCW Canada for Arla Food workers?

United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Canada is one of Canada’s most experienced unions. We represent over 255,000 workers across the country who work in every part of the food industry.

Crucially, UFCW Canada is an affiliate of the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF).

The IUF has a Joint Memorandum of Understanding on union rights and recognition with Arla Foods. As a UFCW Canada member, you will have the support of the global trade union movement behind you.