Members at Tech Blend achieve first contract – UFCW 1991P

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que. – November 21, 2016 – After eleven bargaining sessions, UFCW Canada Local 1991P members working at Tech Blend in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec have achieved their first collective agreement.

Areas of contention included the status and number of workers who comprise the bargaining unit, as well as rotating schedules. However, the Tech Blend members now have a three-year contract that greatly improves working conditions for the 30-member bargaining unit.

Major highlights of the new agreement include:

• Wage increases of 4.8 percent;

• The introduction of paid relief periods;

• Provisions on fixed rotating schedules;  

• The creation of a health and safety committee; and

• The retention of the company insurance plan.

“Thanks to the hard work of our negotiators, we have managed to reach an impressive settlement that will improve the lives and working conditions of the Tech Blend members,” says Mario Maisonneuve, the President of UFCW Canada Local 1991P. “In this case solidarity brought results, and we are very proud of this first collective agreement,” he adds.