Saint-Félicien, Que. – July 27, 2020 – Despite the difficulties presented by COVID-19, UFCW Local 501 members working at Metro Boutin in Saint-Félicien, Quebec have achieved their first union contract, which provides wage increases, additional vacation time, and more. 

In addition to a wage catch-up of up to 16 percent for the first year, the new seven-year collective agreement provides numerous improvements for members, including the following gains:

• A replacement premium for a higher classification of $0.50 per hour worked;
• An assistant manager's premium of $40 per week;
• A cashier supervisor's premium of $0.50 per hour worked;
• Four weeks of vacation after 8 years instead of 9 years;
• For full-time employees: 8 hours for sick leave instead of 7.5 hours for a total of 84 hours of sick leave/mobile leave;
• For part-time employees: 16 hours of sick leave instead of 15 hours;
• Integration of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ;
• Addition of safety shoes for the meat and fish department;
• A lump sum of $550 every 6 months for off-scale employees until they join the scale; and
• The opening of 4 full-time positions.

“We are very pleased with the ratification of this first collective agreement for members in the Lac Saint-Jean region. It protects high quality jobs and improves working conditions, ensuring that Metro Boutin is a workplace that respects employees’ rights and guarantees a good quality of life at work. Congratulations to the members at Metro Boutin!” says Daniel Nadeau, Eastern Quebec Director for UFCW Local 501.

UFCW Local 501 represents over 19,000 members at more than 410 companies across Quebec and northern New Brunswick. To learn more about UFCW 501 and its outstanding work, visit the Local Union’s website.