Workers at Cartems Donuts in Vancouver voted in their first collective agreement on Friday. The contract will bring in exiting improvements to working conditions at the well-loved donut shops and build worker power at the stores. Cartems workers joined UFCW 1518 in June 2020, after starting a worker-led organizing drive and participating in Canada’s first-ever online union certification vote. They worked together through an organizing and bargaining process that took place almost entirely online. The new contract is a testament to their solidarity and strength and demonstrates what workers can accomplish when they stand together. The new contract features many strong improvements, including:

• Scheduling three (3) weeks in advance
• A written tip policy
• Benefits with a set hours qualification
• Establishment of seniority
• A set probation period
• Vacation language with time off and single day vacation selection
• A mandatory 10-hour minimum rest period between shifts
• Severance pay
• And much more!

“These workers demonstrated the incredible power of organizing,” said UFCW 1518 President Kim Novak. “By standing up together and demanding better, they have legally enshrined their rights in their contract and can continue to build on what they have negotiated today.” If you are interested in learning how you can join a union and fight for better working conditions, go to ufcw1518.com/join-us.