Local 1518 certifies fruit packing plant in Cawston, B.C.

The British Columbia Labour Board recently issued a remedial certification for workers at Cawston Cold Storage in Cawston, B.C. In its decision, the B.C. Labour Board ruled that UFCW Canada Local 1518 had strong worker support for the campaign, and that the employer interfered with the organizing drive in such a way that it met the test to issue a remedial certification. 

In B.C., the Labour Code protects the right for workers to organize and join a union. A remedial certification is issued in extreme cases where interference was so great that it impacted this right to join a union. "We are very proud to welcome these new members in our union and we look forward to ensuring that they are treated with respect and dignity at Cawston Cold Storage," said Local 1518 President Ivan Limpright.

The union organizing drive began in February of 2012. Soon after UFCW Local 1518 filed for unfair labour practices, and the labour board subsequently held a hearing leading to this decision for remedial certification. Cawston Cold Storage packs and sells organic fruit from the Southern Okanagan.