Manufacturing workers strengthen gains – UFCW 501
Quebec City – August 31, 2025 – UFCW Local 501 is pleased to announce the signing of a new collective agreement for the approximately 100 union members at the Preverco hardwood and engineered flooring manufacturing plant in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures. The ratification meeting was held on July 11, 2025, and the agreement was officially signed on July 17, 2025. It is for a term of three years and will expire in October 2027.
The negotiation process, which included seven meetings and a conciliation session, was demanding, particularly due to issues related to salary conditions in an unstable economic climate. Despite the difficulties encountered, notably related to trade uncertainties with the United States and production adjustments in recent years, members demonstrated resilience and solidarity, which made it possible to reach a favorable agreement.
The new collective agreement provides for several significant gains. Existing premiums have been increased and new premiums of $0.35 and $0.70 per hour, depending on the department, have been introduced. Skilled laborers will be able to earn up to $1.90 per hour in additional pay, and up to $3.00 per hour with the team leader premium. In terms of wages, increases include a 3% retroactive increase on January 12, 2025, followed by a 2% increase in January 2026 and an adjustment in January 2027 based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) + 0.5%, with a minimum of 2% and a maximum of 4%.
Other significant improvements include working conditions and employee benefits. A fifth floating holiday is now available to employees with 13 or more years of seniority. In addition, a new time bank now allows employees to accumulate up to 80 hours of regular time. Finally, a revised evaluation grid will now govern team leader positions, with bonuses ranging from $0.50 to $2.00 per hour depending on the responsibilities assumed.
"This agreement is the result of a sustained collective effort, in which each union member demonstrated a deep commitment to solidarity and the defense of their working conditions. I would like to commend the rigorous work of our bargaining committee, which navigated a difficult context to achieve substantial results for all members", said Daniel Nadeau, Director for Eastern Quebec at UFCW 501.
Certified since April 28, 2003, union members in this bargaining unit hold various production-related positions, including laborers, delivery drivers, apprentices, operators, forklift drivers, file clerks, mechanics, and shipping clerks. UFCW 501 is proud to represent these workers in Saint-Augustin and to continue defending their rights.
UFCW Local 501 represents 19,000 union members working at more than 410 companies across Quebec and northern New Brunswick. To learn more about UFCW Local 501 and its outstanding work, 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, to make your workplace better today. Click here to join the union now.
