Windsor, Ont. – October 11, 2018 – UFCW Local 175 leadership recently met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Windsor, Ontario to discuss USMCA, the new trade deal between Canada, the United States and Mexico, and other pressing issues facing the membership.

During the conversation, which also included federal Labour Minister Patty Hadju, Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty took the opportunity to raise a number of concerns about NAFTA 2.0.

“I know our members are concerned about the impact this new deal will have on our dairy and poultry sectors, and how it will weaken Canada’s food system,” said Haggerty. “Prime Minister Trudeau owes an explanation to families across Canada about how this deal will affect their livelihoods.”

Local 175 represents hundreds of dairy and poultry members who stand to be impacted by the terms of the new trade agreement between the three countries.

USMCA further erodes Canada’s supply management system, which has helped to strengthen and maintain the country’s food system for more than 70 years.

Under the terms of the new deal, 18 and 12 percent of Canada’s dairy and poultry industries, respectively, are now in the hands of foreign suppliers, putting at risk good union jobs in these key food and economic sectors.

More than 300,000 Canadians earn their livings in these two industries combined.

“I encourage our members and the Canadian public to make sure they see a ‘Dairy Farmers of Canada’ or ‘made with Canadian milk’ label on the dairy products they purchase. Similarly, look for Canadian poultry products as well,” adds Brother Haggerty.

To get the full story on the meeting, and to find out more about UFCW 175’s outstanding work, check out ufcw175.com.