Maple Leaf workers succeed in bargaining for better wages

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This article was published 14/01/2025 (247 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Workers at Maple Leaf Foods in Brandon have ratified a new seven-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that will result in higher wages, shift premiums and other improved financial supports for workers.

The workers are represented by UFCW Local 832, with 61 per cent voting in favour of the new CBA, lead negotiator Jeff Traeger said.

The deal, finalized on Jan. 7, marks a significant milestone following months of negotiations, the union president told the Sun on Monday.

Traeger explained the bargaining began in July, following a meeting of the bargaining committee in April.

“We bargained all through July, all the way through till January,” he said.

“On Jan. 7, the union reached a tentative agreement with the employer and on Sunday, members at Maple Leaf ratified the contract at the Keystone Centre, with over 60 per cent voting in favour of the deal.”

The new agreement includes several notable improvements for workers, including wages across all job categories seeing an average jump of 23 per cent, shift premiums will rise by 30 per cent, providing additional financial support for workers on non-traditional schedules, the union press release issued Monday stated.

The release added a $300,000 fund has been allocated to reassess and re-classify certain roles into higher-paying categories.

The agreement also provides greater flexibility for using banked overtime and secures increased company contributions to benefits, dental plans and pensions.

Regarding the next steps, Traeger confirmed that the collective agreement will be finalized and signed by both parties.

“The contract will stay in full force until 2032,” he said.

“The next round of bargaining will not take place until 2029, with a reopener clause allowing for negotiations in the years prior. The terms and conditions of employment, the wages, premiums and benefits are all locked in for the next seven years.”

Traeger said the company is pleased with the ratification of the deal, and employees are happy with the wage increases.

Many of the workers, Traeger said, are having trouble making ends meet because of the affordability crisis, including rising property taxes, grocery and gas prices in Brandon.

“The fact that we got the largest wage increases that we’ve ever been able to achieve at the plant, the timing is very good, and the employees are very happy,” he added.

A spokesperson from Maple Leaf Foods confirmed the company had entered a collective bargaining agreement with the union, which includes wage increases, money allocated for role re-classifications and agreed to process for role re-classifications.

“We are committed to supporting our workforce and ensuring their well-being as we continue to produce high-quality products,” the spokesperson told the Sun.

Traeger also reiterated the fact that Maple Leaf Foods will be splitting up its operations, which was announced in July last year. At the time, the company said it will split into two public companies in 2025, with the goal of increasing production at its Brandon plant by up to 20 per cent.

“Maple Leaf will effectively only be doing processed meats, and the new company in Brandon will be called Canada Packers, focused on raw materials,” Traeger explained. He noted that changes in company structure could bring challenges, especially when it comes to establishing relationships and adapting to new business practices.

Traeger clarified that the union’s contract will not be impacted by the creation of Canada Packers, citing successor rights under Manitoba’s labour law. “When the new company takes over, they will be bound by that collective agreement,” he affirmed.

Canada Packers is committed to continuing to recognize the terms and conditions set out in the collective agreement, the spokesperson also confirmed.

“The plant management and team will be transitioning to Canada Packers to ensure a seamless transition and minimal disruption,” he said.

As the lead negotiator, Traeger commended the bargaining committee for their dedication during the challenging negotiations. The committee, which included 16 members from various departments at the Brandon plant and two union representatives, began discussions with the employer in July 2024 and worked tirelessly through to January 2025.

The Brandon plant employs 2,000 workers who process hogs to produce fresh pork products for Canadian and international markets.

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