Roughly 280 members of Teamsters Local Union 647 have voted 82% in favour of a new collective agreement at Agropur’s fluid milk production facility in the Greater Toronto Area. The deal was reached just in time to avert a strike that could have disrupted the plant’s daily production of over one million litres of fluid milk, much of it destined for the Greater Toronto Area.
Earlier this year, members unanimously voted in favour of strike action after years of wage stagnation and rising benefit costs had significantly eroded paycheques at the plant in real terms. Anger and frustration ran high as workers felt increasingly squeezed.
Talks intensified in the final days, with a work stoppage looming. Led by Local Union President Martin Cerqua, the Teamsters negotiating committee was ultimately able to secure substantial gains for workers, including wage increases of 5.5% in the first year, followed by 3%, 3%, 2.8%, and 2.6%, with up to 4% of CPI protection on the final two years.
The union also increased the COLA wage premium by $0.40 for all workers, with additional targeted pay bumps for specific job classifications.
Moreover, the agreement now stabilizes the cost of the benefits program, and introduces a new health spending account, providing an additional $300 in coverage for individuals and $450 for families.
“I’m proud of what we accomplished at the table,” said Gary Bast Business Agent, of Teamsters Local Union 647. “Our committee worked tirelessly, and this agreement reflects their commitment and the solidarity shown by our members. I want to thank everyone for their patience, support, and resolve throughout this process.”
Nationally, Teamsters Canada President François Laporte noted the broader importance of unions in today’s world. “This agreement is a reminder of why unions matter. When we stand together as workers, we have the power to protect our livelihoods and build a better future,” he said.
