Members in Hanover ratify with substantial wage increases

The 350 members at Exceldor Cooperative in Hanover ratified a five-year agreement on July 17, 2022. Over the term of the agreement the members will see a 20% increase as follows: Year 1 – 10%, Year 2 – 2%, Year 3 – 2%, Year 4 – 2% and Year 5 – 4%.

Pension improvements include: employee contributions for members from 0 to 2 years of service of $0.22 per hour.  If an employee works more than 350 hours in a calendar year in two consecutive years, the employee shall start to contribute $0.22 per hour paid on January 1 in the third year.

There will be a Pay Direct Drug card for prescription medications for all employees prior to date of ratification. This was an important achievement for the members.

Other language improvements:

• Unpaid LOA for 2 months for employees with 9 months to under five years of service.
• Two vacation days may be used in half day increments for pre-approved absences.
• Two posted positions eligible for boot allowance.
• Tool allowance paid on separate deposit.

There will be a Letter of Understanding re: Perfect attendance weekly program where members who qualify will receive a $1.25/hour premium.  This addition was sought after by the membership.

Union negotiating committee: Stacey Diedenhofen, Rick Gowing, Alan Plante, Michael White and Ron Zippel. Union Representatives: Chris Mayberry and Dave Forbes.

See more negotiation updates from the industrial food sector, including beverage production.

Want to find out more about joining UFCW Local 175? See some of the benefits of voting Union Yes!