Workers at Rogers Foods achieve new contract – UFCW 1518

Armstrong, B.C. – November 17, 2015 – UFCW Canada Local 1518 members working at the Rogers Foods mill in Armstrong, British Columbia have overwhelmingly ratified a new contract.

The new four-year agreement was reached after two days of mediation hearings on November 10-11, and after an earlier agreement had been rejected by union members in September.

Rogers Foods is a grain milling operation in Armstrong employing approximately 45 UFCW Canada Local 1518 members. Highlights of the new agreement include:

  • 8.25% in wage increases over four years (2%-2%-2%-2.25%);

  • Full retroactive pay to February 1, 2015;

  • An increase in the employer contribution to the UFCW Pension Plan;

  • Improvements to sick hours language that will allow members to bridge their sick hours from the first day of illness to their first day on Long Term Disability (LTD);

  • An increase in the boot allowance; and

  • Language improvements, including improvements to severance in the event of a permanent closure for members with ten or more years service, up to a maximum of 30 weeks severance.

The Union Negotiating Committee was comprised of Glenn Lutes and Will Schoepfler, assisted by UFCW Canada Local 1518 union representative Shari Jensen, and Kim Balmer, Local 1518 director and assistant to the president.