Cargill Dunlop workers end 41-day strike with ratified agreement: Members of UFCW Local 175 will return to work

By Investor Empires On Jul 7, 2024

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, July 6, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On Saturday, July 6, 2024, 960 unionized employees at Cargill Dunlop in Guelph ratified a new collective agreement after 41 days of picketing. The workers, represented by Section 175 of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), went on strike after rejecting a deal on May 26, 2024.

“In our union, the power is in the hands of our members through their democratic vote, and members at Cargill Dunlop have used their vote to make their voices heard,” said Kelly Tosato, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 175.

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“It is a difficult decision to strike, and it may be even more difficult to decide to end the strike. But these members took a stand against a huge corporation, and they should be proud of their strength and courage.”

As members return to work on Monday and the plant restarts, full hours may not be available immediately to all members. Therefore, the union will continue to pay prorated strike pay for the first week to those who do not receive full hours immediately.

This agreement includes wage increases of up to $3.75 per hour over the term of the agreement, including $2 per hour in the first year. This amount will be paid retroactively for all hours worked, including overtime, beginning January 1, 2024. In addition, members receive a lump sum incentive to renew the contract in the form of a $500 contract renewal bonus.
Dental coverage has been improved to $2,000 per year, and members also benefit from the removal of lifetime maximums on a number of dental services.
The short-term disability (STD) limit is now 70% and will provide up to an additional $143 per week. This means members can receive up to $668 per week while on short-term disability leave.
Members will now be granted five days’ bereavement leave, instead of four, in the event of the death of a spouse, child or parent.

Nearly 1,000 members of the Food and Agricultural Workers Union Local 175 at the Cargill Dunlop plant took to the picket lines at 12:01 a.m. on May 27, 2024, after a previously negotiated settlement was rejected by 82%. The strike vote, held in April, was supported by 99% of members.

With nearly 1,500 head of cattle processed daily at Cargill Dunlop, the members of the Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 175 at the facility are an integral part of the food supply chain in this province and beyond.

For more information: jennifer.tunney@ufcw175.com

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