More than 50 UFCW 1518 members working at Rogers Foods in Armstrong, BC ratified a new collective agreement last week featuring the highest monetary package ever bargained by the union. Rogers Foods has been milling natural flour and cereal products from Canadian grains for over 60 years. Members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the agreement, which includes a 12.75 percent wage hike over five years, retroactive to February 1, 2019. Other highlights include increases to shift premiums, improved bereavement leave, higher protective footwear allowance and a floater day for members with 25+ years of service. Additionally, members will now become eligible for the UFCW 1518 Pension Plan more quickly. “This agreement demonstrates yet again the power of collective bargaining to improve the lives of working people,” said President Kim Novak. “When we achieve robust contracts like this one, with so many gains for workers, we drive up standards and expectations in the industry. Unions continue to set the high bar of good working conditions and fair compensation.” A big thank you to the bargaining committee, made up of Will Schroepfler and Glenn Lutes, assisted by union representative Shari Jensen.