Cargill Watson members ratify

Despite a tough round of bargaining, which required meeting in conciliation and the members taking a strike vote, the membership at Cargill Watson secured a new collective agreement at a ratification meeting on February 24, 2026.

Wages were the main issue at the table for the members at Cargill Watson plant. The ratified agreement includes retroactive pay for hours worked since January 1, 2026, plus wage increases totalling $3.85 per hour. Maintenance employees will see increases totalling $5.35 per hour over the term of the agreement. All employees receive a $1,000 lump sum as of ratification as well.

Short-Term Disability (STD) pay improves to 70%, up from 64%, to a maximum that matches the EI maximum, up from the previous $525 per week.

Members benefit from increased annual coverage for:

• massage therapy at $425, up from $325;
• physiotherapy at $500, up from $400;
• psychology at $2,000, up from $300.

In addition, the parties agreed to remove the termination age rule for medical and dental coverage, which was at 70 years of age. Now, termination of benefits will occur at retirement.

Further improvements to the meal and safety footwear allowances put additional money back in the pockets of the members. In addition, the Apprenticeship Program will see improvements with this agreement.

The Union Negotiating Committee achieved important language improvements which will be added in letters of agreement covering messaging on the ‘sick line,’ providing employees the ability to receive text prompts to complete ADF forms, and pre-approving partial day absences (such as late arrivals or early departures) that qualify under ESA Sick Leave or Family Responsibility Leave, and which will not be counted as an ESA day used.

Union Negotiating Committee: Mike Davis, Dale Dunlop, Corey Johnson, Curtis Lott, Sarfraz Siddiquey, and Union Representative Navidad Talbot.

Did you know? Members of UFCW Locals 175 & 633 are eligible for a number of post-secondary scholarships! Find out more about Union scholarships here.

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