Members at Trochu Meat Processors join the union – UFCW 1118

Red Deer, Alta. – October 15, 2014 – Approximately 100 workers at Trochu Meat Processors have won their certification vote to join UFCW Canada Local 1118. After no less than five years and two organizing campaigns, the employees demonstrated immense determination and perseverance in gaining union representation with Canada’s leading union for food workers.

Trochu Meat Processors is a pork slaughter and processing facility in Trochu, Alberta, which is owned by and supplies to high-end retailer Sunterra Markets, in Edmonton and Calgary. The workers at Trochu chose to unionize in order to improve health and safety, fix hours of work and scheduling, and demand respect and fair treatment from the employer. Furthermore, the employees knew that Local 1118 has the experience and expertise to support workers who are going through the nomination process under the Temporary Foreign Workers program.

The successful organizing campaign at Trochu was made possible by the coordinated efforts of UFCW 1118 members, staff, and organizers from the UFCW Canada national office. It is a particularly emotional victory for everyone involved due to the recent passing of Local 1118 President Albert Johnson.

“I know that Albert would be very proud of everyone for the bravery these workers showed in standing up for their rights in the workplace,” says Peter Frost, Local 1118 Secretary Treasurer. “We are happy to welcome the members in Trochu into Local 1118.”