The patience of the union members of Fermes Lufa de Laval has finally been rewarded!

Article content

MONTREAL, January 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 501 (UFCW 501)), is proud to announce the signing of the first collective agreement of union members of Lufa Farms in Laval. After three years of difficult negotiations, the patience of unionists has finally been rewarded. We salute the unfailing determination of the employees, who have had to overcome numerous obstacles, including multiple challenges from their employer before the Administrative Labor Court, aimed at obstructing their unionization.

Article content

At the annual general meeting held on January 17, 2024, members overwhelmingly adopted the terms of their very first collective agreement. The agreement entered into force retroactively to January 1, 2024, for a period of 3 years. Our members at this urban commercial rooftop hydroponic greenhouse are busy growing and distributing fresh, local, responsible fruits and vegetables. This unique and innovative concept guarantees the availability of fresh, local and environmentally friendly products. We are very proud to welcome them to the TUAC family.

Article content

Among the highlights of this first collective agreement is a significant salary increase, positioning our rates among the highest in the industry. In addition to having obtained increases during negotiations, employees will now benefit from a salary scale which will ensure them remuneration commensurate with their experience in the company. Greenhouse/harvester assistants will start at $17 per hour, rising to $24.25, while agronomist assistants will be paid between $24.80 and $30.50 per hour. Additionally, each active union member will receive a $250 signing bonus, as well as $250 for each full year of service. This represents an increase of 10 to 21% for our members. Salary catch-up based on years of service will also guarantee fairer remuneration and stability for our members.

Article content

Article content

Among other advances, the agreement provides for the maintenance and improvement of certain social benefits, such as a training bonus of $1.25 per hour worked, a plant uprooting bonus of $20 per day and a rebate of 30 % on all basket orders. Employees will also benefit from an allowance for the use of their personal vehicle, an employer contribution to the FTQ Solidarity Fund RRSP as well as other benefits in terms of clothing and equipment provided by the employer.

The agreement also includes a provision for a reduced work week, the introduction of a right of refusal clause and the possibility of a summer schedule starting at 5:30 a.m. during periods of intense heat.

This agreement was concluded and accepted by the members at a time when employees of the Lufa greenhouse in Ville Saint-Laurent are also preparing to begin negotiations for their first collective agreement.

“I welcome this major step forward for Lufa workers in Laval. This agreement lays a good foundation for the ongoing unionization campaign for all Lufa greenhouses and its distribution center. Together, we are writing the story of progress and justice for greenhouse workers. United, we are shaping a future where dignity at work is non-negotiable,” says Alain Lachaine, President of UFCW Local 501.

Article content

About UFCW 501
With some 19,000 members in more than 410 companies, UFCW 501 is part of the largest French-speaking food and commercial union in Quebec and represents members in northern New Brunswick. Our expanded organization has more than 55,000 members in Quebec, 255,000 in Canada and more than 1.4 million in North America. Our members work in all areas of the food industry and commerce, as well as other areas such as service, processing, manufacturing, technical and professional jobs. To learn more about UFCW 501, visit www.tuac501.org.

Article content