Halifax – May 26, 2013 – UFCW Canada Local 864 Members in Nova Scotia recently celebrated the unanimous ratification of a groundbreaking collective agreement that improves standards and introduces a new approach to conflict resolution based on First Nations traditions and customs.

Enhancing the contract’s grievance procedure, the affected Local 864 members – all proud citizens of the Potlotek First Nation – will also have the option of resolving contract disputes and issues through a process called the Kisikuewey Wantaqo'suti Procedure, which calls upon the wisdom and mediation abilities of Band Elders.

“UFCW Canada congratulates the Potlotek members in ratifying their first contract, and we join them and their Local Union in celebrating this important and innovative approach to collective bargaining,” says UFCW Canada National President Wayne Hanley. “The union’s strength is in the outstanding diversity and efforts of the membership, and this new contract is an excellent example of what makes UFCW Canada members the country’s leading force in the labour movement.”

The Local 864 Potlotek members, who work in the fisheries industry as deckhands, also gained improvement to the pay structure, vacation pay, production bonuses, a clothing allowance, and mandatory pension contributions over the life of the new three-year contract.