Montreal – December 1, 2014 – UFCW Canada Local 501 is proud to welcome workers of Les Serres Demers in Saint-Nicéphore as new members of our great union.

UFCW Canada Local 501 submitted its request for certification on September 28, 2014 to represent workers at Demers, which specializes in the production of greenhouse tomatoes. The members who initiated the organizing campaign wanted protection for their rights, particularly with regard to seniority and recall rights. They succeeded on November 20, when the Commission des relations du travail (‘‘Quebec’s labour relations board’’) approved their union certification. 

Their voice will be added to that of the many agriculture workers represented by Local 501 who want respect and dignity in the workplace.  In Quebec, over 45,000 UFCW workers will now stand with them for their rights and freedoms; throughout Canada, they will be supported by over 250,000 UFCW members. 

“UFCW Canada Local 501 has fought long and hard to get proper working conditions for the agriculture sector that must be respected on a daily basis,” said UFCW Local 501 President Alain Lachaîne. “That is why we are so proud to welcome these new members from Les Serres Demers.”