Vancouver – March 28, 2024 – Last year, workers at Vancouver’s Earnest Ice Cream’s Quebec St. and Fraser St. locations took their workplace into their own hands by organizing under UFCW 1518.

They joined the union for more job security, fair compensation, and recognition for the vital role they play in the company’s success.

Since joining the union, they have been hard at work fighting for fairness at the bargaining table. Now, just six months later, these workers have negotiated a monumental first agreement, securing key wins for Earnest Ice Cream members and setting a new standard for their workplace.

Key highlights from the newly ratified contract include:

• Wage increases that will provide all employees with a significant increase, including an early onset of the provincial minimum wage increase upon ratification
• Minimum wage plus—a wage schedule that accounts for minimum wage increases  
• Workers retain their tips—a vital source of income for members
• Benefit qualification criteria improvements—reducing the qualifier so more workers can access benefits
• Seniority accruement—respect for the loyalty of longtime employees

Read more about the contract victory at Earnest Ice Cream.

UFCW 1518 comprises tens of thousands of workers in BC’s retail sector. Staff at Earnest Ice Cream, Matchstick Coffee, Cartems Donuts and more are fighting to improve working conditions in BC’s retail industry.  To learn more about UFCW 1518 and its outstanding work for BC’s retail workers, visit the local union’s website.

How can I gain the benefits of a UFCW contract?

Are you a non-unionized worker who would like to enjoy the benefits of a UFCW Canada collective agreement? Do you and your co-workers want to gain the union advantage at work? Join Canada’s best union, UFCW Canada, and make your workplace better today. Click here to join now.