Lallemand Inc. ratifies

Lallemand Inc. ratifies first collective agreement to secure wage increases and the benefits of belonging to a union.

The new members at Lallemand Inc. in Cornwall unanimously ratified their first collective agreement on February 2, 2025, with a three-year term. These workers have secured improvements to their working conditions, have a voice in their workplace, and access to a grievance procedure. Additionally, should these workers have an issue at work; they now have union representation.

The members will receive wage increases of: workers on payroll at date of ratification: May 1, 2024 – $1.20, Year 1 – 80 cents, Year 2 – 80 cents, Year 3 – 90 cents, and a $600 lump sum payment. New employees shall receive 90% of the above rates upon hire until they reach one calendar year of working experience.

The night shift premium will increase to $1.30/hour, up from $1.10.

The employer will match contributions to the registered pension plan at 6%.

Other improvements include:

• Full-time workers will be entitled to 48 hours of sick leave credits each year, 12 paid holidays, and up to 25 days of vacation time.
• A Boot Allowance of up to $250.00 for each pair, replaced as required due to damage or wear and tear.
• Clear Training and Evaluation periods for different classifications with language built into the agreement.

Prior to negotiations, the Production Operators were paid 90% of the Operator rate until they were fully trained, however, the employer was not consistent on when or if Operators would be trained. There are now set training periods and the rate is automatically adjusted after one calendar year of working experience.

These new members also now have a say on their working schedule. Prior to organizing the employer changed their shift from 12 hours rotating to 8-hour steady shifts. Now the collective agreement clearly sets out the type of shifts the employer can schedule, and a mechanism to get production employees on 12 hour rotating shifts.  This was a key issue in the workers for organizing, and we were again successful in achieving this gain for the workers

Union negotiating committee: Dean Poirier. Union representative: Shannon Epp.

Are you ready to find out more and want to talk to one of our Organizers? Send them an email at organizing@ufcw175.com or give them a call at 1-800-565-8329. All your conversations with our Organizers are confidential.

Plus, check out our Facebook and Instagram pages. We feature our Members and Stewards at work and in the community, and much more!