Boucherville, Que. – June 30, 2014 – UFCW Canada Local 509 members working at Groupe Canam in Boucherville, Quebec recently ratified a new five-year collective agreement that will remain in effect until January 31, 2019. The Groupe Canam employees design and manufacture steel frames.  

With respect to wages, the new agreement provides an average increase of 2.1 percent for employees who are at the top of the wage scale, while those who are still progressing through the wage scale will receive an average increase of 5 percent per year. The contract also includes improved bonuses for employees, such as a 10 percent increase in the evening shift premium and a 15 percent increase in the night shift premium. As well, the new agreement increases the clothing purchase allowance for workers and provides a fifth week of vacation and a 10 percent premium to senior employees.

In addition to wage gains, the Groupe Canam members will enjoy better working conditions as a result of their contract. For example, laid-off workers with at least five years seniority will now have 40-months of job protection. The agreement also maintains the existing employer contribution to the UFCW Dental Plan, which provides employees with an 80 percent reimbursement for dental expenses.

"When negotiating a collective agreement, UFCW Canada Local 509 always seeks to improve working conditions and secure a brighter future for members, and we believe this contract achieves both of those goals," says UFCW Canada Local 509 President Daniel Nadeau. "Congratulations to the bargaining committee for negotiating an excellent collective agreement," Brother Nadeau adds.