Red Deer, Alta. – October 25, 2016 – UFCW Canada Local 1118 members working at the Western Hog Exchange in Red Deer, Alberta have unanimously voted to join the National Defence Fund (NDF), the country's leading strike and lockout resource.

Established over 30 years, the NDF makes sure that in the event of a strike or lockout, bargaining units that subscribe to the fund have the financial and logistical resources to fight the toughest of employers. The NDF also provides members additional strike benefits, on top of their regular strike pay. Employers know that members of the NDF have extra strength to take on a strike or lockout, if required, to achieve a fair agreement.

Members at the Western Hog Exchange voted to join UFCW Canada Local 1118 earlier this year in order to gain the protections of a collective agreement, fair and reasonable wages, and access to the grievance procedure. Negotiations for a first collective agreement have yet to achieve a contract, with the two sides unable to come to a fair resolution that works for all members at the barn.

"We are proud of the members at the Western Hog Exchange for the courage it took to join the union," says UFCW Local 1118 President Peter Frost. "Workers at the barn have once again shown their resolve to achieve a fair first contract by joining the NDF, and you can bet their union and the NDF will stand beside them to ensure they are successful," adds Brother Frost.