SEIU members at one of Canada’s most iconic breweries ratified a new collective agreement on July 13^th. The four-year deal delivers important economic gains for the membership, with many winning a 25.5% wage increase, closing the gap on the tiered wage system. 

Branch Local 300 members at Molson Coors Fraser Valley Brewery have had numerous bargaining sessions which ultimately culminated in a 93% strike vote on July 7^th.

Matt Harada is the plant chairman for the Union and been at the brewery for 17 years. “All the members wanted more wages,” he said. “That was the main focus.”

Molson Coors has been making record profits, year after year.

After taking the strike vote, plant-committee members went back to the table with management on July 9^th. In addition to the wage increases and numerous improvements to premiums, members managed to fight back against all concessions that the company put on the table.

“The company was trying to force people to work overtime but we didn’t budge,” said Matt. “There were a couple other matters we had to stand firm on.” 

The membership at Molson Coors was unified in their resolve to win a strong contract in this economy. Brewery workers bargaining new deals or organizing like the workers at Steam Whistle in Ontario, know that it is by standing together that we can win.

“Before coming here, I’d never had a unionized job,” said Matt. “I would never go back.”