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Members of Local 40-N at Agropur Dairy Cooperative in Bedford, Nova Scotia, ratified a strong collective agreement following a round of bargaining the members viewed as respectful and collaborative.
“It’s encouraging to see an employer develop a good relationship with its workers and treat bargaining as a way to improve the workplace, keep workers happy and safe, and make their business a place where people want to work,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “I congratulate the bargaining team for their hard work in securing a deal that clearly resonated with the membership.”
The four-year deal was ratified at 89 per cent and sees wage increases totalling nearly 10 per cent over the life of the agreement. Members secured improvements to scheduling practices, earlier qualification for the top vacation tier, enhancements to pension bridging funds, increases to uniform allowances, and Paid Education Leave (PEL).
Importantly, the agreement also includes five days of Paid Domestic Violence Leave – two more days than what is offered under legislation in Nova Scotia. Paid leave offers potentially life-saving support to those fleeing a violent situation.
“We’re proud of this agreement, for the improvements and protections our members will see over the next few years, and pleased we didn’t take any concessions,” said Doug Gray, President of Unifor Local 40-N. “Our committee heard problems and concerns from the membership and came into bargaining to find solutions. I want to thank the whole bargaining committee for their hard work and congratulate them on a solid outcome.”
The agreement covers 150 members who work as delivery truck drivers, mechanics, laboratory technicians, electricians, power engineers, production, and shipping workers.
