UFCW Canada Local 175 has been certified as the bargaining agent for workers at a Maple Leaf Foods processing facility in Mississauga, Ontario. The poultry kill and processing plant employs about 180 members.

“This victory means better protection and service for the new members, but it is also good news for other UFCW Canada members working in the poultry sector,” says UFCW Canada Local 175 executive assistant Ray Bromley. “Poultry processing is a core UFCW Canada sector, and by building our density, every bargaining unit becomes stronger. That’s why we’ve been able to maintain good collective agreements with a number of employers in the poultry processing industry.”

“Maintaining and building core density is also good for growth,” says Bromley. “We’re committed to the growth agenda, and that means building on our strength in the areas we already represent.”

The diverse membership at the Maple Leaf unit was sucessfully organized by the local union’s multilingual organizing team, led by organzing director Rick Wauhkonen. Bargaining for a first-collective agreement is expected to commence sometime in August.

“We welcome the new members at Maple Leaf in Mississauga,” says Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty, “and look forward to providing the service, support and empowerment that UFCW Canada membership brings.”


Vol. X No. 32 • August 16, 2010