Edmonton – January 30, 2018 – UFCW Canada Local 401 members working at Masterfeeds in Edmonton have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year collective agreement.

The Masterfeeds Edmonton plant is an animal feed mill serving Northern Alberta’s farming community.

Highlights of the new agreement include:

• Annual wage increases of 2%, 2%, and 2.25% respectively in each year of the agreement;

• Improvements to premium rates, boot allowances, and bereavement leave;

• Introduction of a direct pay prescription drug card;

• Improved language on members’ representational rights;

• Introduction of a sunset clause for discipline, as well as a dignity and respect clause;

• Integration of statutory leaves of absences; and more.

“There’s a lot to be proud of in this agreement, both in terms of process and outcome,” says UFCW 401 negotiator Michael Hughes. “Our members were seeking a balance between modest increases in wages and benefits, and improvements in their voice and visibility in the workplace. They also want the plant to succeed through a trying time. Our committee hit all the major points,” he adds.

UFCW Canada Local 401 is Alberta’s largest private sector union, representing approximately 32,000 members in a broad range of industries and sectors including retail food sales and production, as well as healthcare, gaming, distilling, oil and gas, hospitality, and warehousing. For more information on UFCW Local 401, visit their website.