Food processing workers at Lantic Sugar ratify strong new contract – UFCW 383

Taber, Alta. – August 31, 2026 – UFCW Local 383 members at Lantic Sugar have ratified a new contract, following early bargaining due to the beet sugar plant expanding. This new collective agreement expires on March 31, 2032.

The new six-year contract includes wage increases, shift premium increases, improved scheduled, signing bonuses and more.

"I'm proud of our members and the negotiating committee for their strength and efforts in the bargaining process," said UFCW Local 383 President Scott Bull. "This is a solid contract with substantial improvements that will benefit our members through the next six years."

Highlights of the new contract include:

Wage increases

From their current contract (originally to expire on March 31, 2027), members had received a wage increase of 2.6% on April 1, 2026.  The annual increase on April 1, 2026 now includes an additional increase of 2% for a total increase of 4.6%.

Following this increase, wages will increase 5% in April of 2027 and 2028, 4% in 2029, and 3% in 2030 and 2031.

In addition, shift premiums will increase from $1.75 to $2.00 as of April 1, 2027.

Other improvements

There is new language for warehouse and packaging scheduling. A $2500 signing bonus will be paid to all permanent and eligible temporary employees in the form of an RRSP, TFSA, or Taxable Cash, and a one-time lump sum contribution of $500 will be made to the RRSP accounts of permanent and active temporary Group RRSP plan members.

UFCW Local 383 represents the workers at the Lantic beet sugar factory in Taber, Alberta.

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