A big congratulations to the 40 SEIU union members at Pacific Western Brewing in Prince George, BC, who have officially ratified a new three-year collective agreement following a tough round of negotiations.
Despite the employer coming to the table seeking concessions and citing financial losses, the bargaining committee held firm—and their determination paid off.
The new agreement, ratified at a meeting held on August 23, includes a series of meaningful gains for workers:
- Wage increases of 3% in each year of the agreement
- Higher shift premiums, with afternoons rising from $0.90 to $1.10 and nights from $1.20 to $1.40
- A new paid day off to attend Canadian Citizenship Ceremonies
- Introduction of a Wellness Fund—$500 over the term of the agreement for gym memberships, golf lessons, weight loss programs, and more — a possible first in the industry
- Improved health and dental benefits, including increased coverage for orthodontics and eye exams, as well as coverage for orthotic insoles and molded earplugs
- Better tool allowance language
- Increased severance pay
No concessions for current members
This agreement also builds on the union’s past success in eliminating second-tier wages. A new progressive wage scale will apply to new hires, moving them to full wages by their third year. Pension contributions for new hires will grow from 3% employee / 5% employer in the first three years, to a robust 3% employee / 9% employer in year four.
“This was a tough fight, but the team stood strong and delivered a contract that respects the hard work our members do every day,” said a union spokesperson.
Well done to everyone involved in achieving this important victory. Solidarity works!
BANNER PHOTO CREDIT: Colour filter and cropped from original. “Pacific Western Brewing open day” by jan zeschky, CC BY-NC 2.0