Richmond and Burnaby, B.C. – March 7, 2017 – UFCW Canada Local 1518 members working at PriceSmart Foods stores in Richmond and Burnaby, British Columbia have overwhelmingly ratified a new collective agreement that brings wage increases and more. 

Overnight, the new contract sees the hourly wages of food clerks jump from $11.00 to $12.20, with the start rate rising to $12.00 per hour. In addition to the immediate wage hike, food clerks who were previously capped at a wage less than $12.00 per hour, now have access to a wage ladder that progresses to $20 per hour. Members will now also be eligible for the Medical Services Plan (MSP), dental and extended health benefits, as well as a lump sum payment of up to $1,500.

The new contract also contains anti-bullying language in order to proactive approach to preventing workplace harassment. The vacation entitlement, which had been capped at three weeks, will now increase to five weeks.

"This is an important day for food retail workers," says UFCW Canada Local 1518 Secretary-Treasurer Kim Novak. "Members told us what they wanted and we delivered. Thanks to the leadership and the hard work of the bargaining committee, family benefits and the path to a living wage have become more attainable for our members."

The bargaining committee includes Pauline Green, Claire Chai, Carrie Change, and Stephen Chou.