Quebec (Que.) – October 20, 2025 — The United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 501 (UFCW 501), is proud to announce the unanimous ratification of the new collective agreement for members of the Association chasse & pêche Martin-Pêcheur inc. (ZEC Martin-Valin).

 At a meeting on September 3, union members unanimously approved the agreement reached after eight rounds of negotiations. Signed on September 11, 2025, the two-year collective agreement is retroactive to December 1, 2024, and will remain in effect until November 2027.

The negotiations took place in a respectful atmosphere, despite an initial rejection of the original offer on August 13. The main issues concerned the duration of the contract and salary conditions, which were at the heart of the discussions. The conclusion of this agreement accompanies the transition of the Martin-Valin ZEC from seasonal to year-round operation, a significant change that is reflected in the new provisions negotiated.

The agreement ensures the maintenance of essential protections, including the TUAC Québec dental care plan, and confirms the recognition of regular seasonal employees with all their acquired rights. It also introduces significant improvements, including the creation of a regular annual position, better recognition of seniority based on date of hire, a reduction in the probationary period, the addition of four public holidays for a total of nine, as well as improvements to floating holidays and vacation pay. Travel allowances, allowance for the purchase of uniforms, and an annual contribution to the social club are also among the consolidated benefits.

In terms of wages, the agreement provides for a retroactive increase of 8% effective December 1, 2024, followed by increases of 4% in 2025 and 2% in 2026, for a total of 14% over three years. Contributions to the Fonds de solidarité FTQ will now be shared equally between the employer and the union member, up to a maximum of $20 per week, which constitutes concrete support for collective savings.

"This collective agreement is the result of the solidarity and determination of our members, who were able to unite to obtain working conditions that meet their needs and reflect the reality of their environment. The bargaining committee showed great commitment throughout the process, and the result demonstrates the importance of collective bargaining in building a fairer future," said Daniel Nadeau, Director for Eastern Quebec at UFCW 501.

Since unionizing in 1986, the members of this unit have been working in reception, patrol, and various operational functions related to the management of the Martin-Valin ZEC. UFCW 501 is proud to represent these union members, whose work contributes to the vitality and sustainability of this collective resource.

About UFCW 501
With approximately 19,000 members in more than 410 units, UFCW 501 is part of the largest French-speaking food and commerce union in Quebec and also represents members in northern New Brunswick. Our larger organization has more than 55,000 members in Quebec, 255,000 in Canada, and over 1.3 million in North America. Our members work in all areas of the food and commerce industry, as well as in other fields such as service, processing, manufacturing, and technical and professional jobs.