Wage increases and long-term disability benefits were among the gains achieved in a new agreement for UFCW Canada local 1000A members at Maple Leaf Consumer Foods Poultry.
Ratified on February 9, 2016, the three-year agreement runs from September 24, 2015 to September 23, 2018.
The bargaining committee was led by Don Taylor, Regional Director (Central Ontario), and included Staff Representative Dustin Magee and members, Maria Cabral, Brad Leo and Paulie Teves.
Other gains included improvement to vacation schedules, clarified job classifications and improved rates, and improvements to the benefits package beyond the introduction of the long-term disability benefits.
“The new agreement is a pretty good—we have raises instead of lump sums, and no concessions,” said Leo, a steward at Maple Leaf Consumer Foods. “After five sets of negotiations, I am happy we secured long-term disability benefits for our co-workers.”
Leo said the jobs members do are often tedious and repetitive and can result in a lot of strain injuries.
“There are lots of people on short-term disability but when those benefits are up, they have no income. At least now, they have a bit of income for two years.”
Cabral, a steward at the plant, agreed with Leo’s assessment, adding that it was common for co-workers to organize fundraisers and make donations to assist members whose short-term disability benefits had run out.
“I love that we finally have long-term disability benefits—that is a huge change for our workplace.”
Of the overall agreement, Cabral said: “Considering the industry is facing a lot of tough times with layoffs, I think it’s a decent deal.”
Neves, another steward, said the bargaining committee was happy with what was negotiated.
“We fought hard to represent our members’ concerns,” he said. “We were grateful to have Don Taylor and Dustin Magee on our side.”
Taylor credited the membership unity and support as critical in achieving a strong deal.
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate and support your bargaining committee,” said Taylor. “Your strength and solidarity made a difference at the bargaining table.”
Local 1000A President Pearl Sawyer said: “Congratulations to the bargaining committee for their hard work on behalf of our members at Maple Leaf Consumer Foods Poultry. With member input, participation and unity, a fair deal was achieved.”
