FG Deli plant in Langley, BC

FG DELI BARGAINING

UFCW Local 247 members working at FG Deli can check here often for the latest bargaining updates, ways to get involved in bargaining, and key information about the bargaining process.

A reminder that this page is available in multiple languages by clicking the flag in the top right corner of your screen.

Getting Prepared

In preparing for mediation and a possible strike, it is important for members to understand possible next steps, including where the bargaining process could go and what members can do to prepare.

We have created a booklet for FG Deli members, where we’ve covered questions about mediation, picketing, and specific steps members should take right away to be prepared for a possible strike.

DOWNLOAD THE BOOKLET

We include much of the same information in the Frequently Asked Questions section below.

Please carefully review this information, and if you have any questions, please contact a member of your union bargaining committee or your Union Representative, Wojtek Rojewski at 1-888-361-8329 or wrojewski@ufcw247.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing for a strike

What is a strike?

A strike is when union members collectively decide to stop coming to work in order to pressure their employer to offer better terms for their employment.

What this usually looks like is union members forming a legal picket line outside their workplace – and potentially other locations – to draw attention to their job action and engage the public about their issues.

Striking workers usually refuse to come back to work until they receive a contract offer from their employer that they find acceptable.

Strikes are a powerful tool used by unionized workers in contract negotiations. When an employer knows that its workers are prepared to strike to achieve their demands, they are more inclined to negotiate fairly.

Mediation is a normal part of the bargaining process. When a union and an employer are negotiating a collective agreement, there are some issues that are harder to work through than others. Sometimes, it can benefit the process to get help from a neutral person.

A mediator is a neutral person who helps both sides through those difficult issues by facilitating more productive discussions and bringing a fresh perspective on the parties’ differences.

Mediation isn’t about starting the bargaining process all over again. It’s more about identifying those key areas of disagreement and finding possible resolutions.

Both sides will come to mediation with their perspectives on each of those areas in dispute and try to work through them.

In conversation with members since May, we have identified the following priority areas:

  • Wages
  • HWT/Sick Leave
  • Benefit Improvements

No. The only way to avoid a strike is to reach a settlement. Mediators work with both sides to try to get through their areas of disagreement in the hopes of reaching a settlement. They cannot impose a settlement on either party.  

A mediator can sometimes make recommendations on where the parties might find agreement. However, it is still up to union members to decide on whether an agreement should be accepted or not. That happens through a democratic ratification vote.

Our first goal is always to get a new agreement that works for members. We’ve been doing that through the normal bargaining process. To increase pressure on the company to return to the bargaining table and improve their offer, we took a strike vote.

Going on strike should always be considered a last resort. Getting a mediator involved in the process now ensures we have done everything possible to find an agreement before taking strike action.

If mediation doesn’t lead to a settlement acceptable to the members, there are only a few possible next steps:

  • The union and the employer could continue negotiations without a mediator – though if no deal was possible with a mediator, it could be even less likely without one.
  • The employer could force a Last Offer vote, where members are asked to vote on the company’s last offer prior to the commencement of a strike or lockout. Members would be asked to vote YES or NO on that Last Offer. This is a provision in the BC Labour Relations Code that can only be used once.
  • If mediation doesn’t work, the most likely scenario is that the Union will issue 72-hour strike notice and commence a strike. This means members will not go to work, and instead, we will set up picket lines at specific locations and communicate with the public about our bargaining priorities.

Going on strike is legal for union members in BC provided they have followed the processes set out in the BC Labour Relations Code and Regulations.

On June 20, 2026, FG Deli members voted 96% YES to giving the union the authorization to take strike action. This means that, at any point during the following 3 months, UFCW Local 247 is in a legal position to serve strike notice on the employer.

Under the law, there is a notice period of 72 hours that must be given to the employer before a union can take strike action. When perishable goods are involved, this notice period can be extended, though the employer would have to apply for such an extension through the BC Labour Relations Board.

We will inform members with as much notice as possible if giving strike notice could happen soon.

A strike normally ends when a contract has been reached with the company and union members have voted to accept it.

If that happens, union members who lawfully strike and picket normally return to their jobs once a strike is over and work resumes.

The same rules apply in the case of a lockout: an employer must serve notice of a lockout on the union before it can legally lockout its employees.

Picketing is all about increasing pressure on the employer to resolve the dispute.

Picketing is when members attend the place where they normally work and try to persuade people not to enter the workplace, deal in or handle the employer’s product, or do business with the employer during the dispute.

Picketers wear signs, walk outside the workplace, and communicate with the public about the reasons for their dispute.

Picket lines are typically run by Picket Captains with the support of UFCW staff.

Picket Captains are your fellow members and workplace leaders who will be specifically trained to handle issues on the line related to picket pay, scheduling, amenities, media relations, and other key duties.

If you are interested in taking on the role of Picket Captain, please reach out to us at ufcw@ufcw247.com.

Going on strike is about taking a collective stand with your coworkers, but it can also involve sacrifices that impact each person differently.

In the event of a strike at FG Deli, members will receive picket pay as long as they show up to their picket shifts.

The picket pay for UFCW Local 247 members at FG Deli is $500 per week for at least 24 hours of picketing.

There are some important rules to be aware of about picket pay:

  • Picket pay is not a wage – it is a form of financial aid available to union members involved in a legal labour dispute with their employer
  • Picket pay is TAX-FREE, so what you see above is what you would take home so long as you picket the required minimum hours
  • Picket pay will be paid weekly. Cheques would be picked up by picketers through their assigned Picket Captains

 

There is no picket pay in the first week. In accordance with the UFCW International Constitution, picket pay is payable starting from the 8th day of a strike or lockout, as long as the dispute has lasted at least 14 days.

It’s never too early to start preparing for a possible strike. You can:

  • Speak with your family about budgeting during a dispute. This could mean holding off on major purchases or limiting discretionary spending on activities or non-essentials. These aren’t easy conversations, but they are worth having in advance.
  • Contact your creditors. Most credit card, mortgage, financial, and utilities companies will be familiar with customers involved in labour dispute situations. Contact them to advise them that your workplace may be involved in a legal labour dispute. Most creditors will work with customers to avoid seeing them default on debt repayments.
  • Plan your benefit usage. Reschedule, wherever possible, routine health procedures, and try to avoid incurring non-critical medical expenses. Speak with your health provider to determine what treatments can be postponed. If possible, try to fill prescriptions before a dispute begins for as long as you can.

Unions often encourage members to find alternate employment to supplement any loss of income during a labour dispute.

Picket captains will work with members on scheduling their picketing hours, with consideration for our need to ensure coverage is maintained at all picketing locations.

If you need a special arrangement to accommodate a second job while also picketing, we will work with you. Alternative duties may be available for members who may be physically unable to walk a picket line.

When a strike is called, the provisions of the Collective Agreement are suspended. This includes your entitlement to vacation pay. That said, you won’t LOSE vacation entitlements that you have already earned just because you went on strike.

When the dispute ends, the Collective Agreement will be back in force, and you would still be entitled to your vacation time and pay.

During a dispute, if you need to take time away from the picket line, you can (without picket pay).

During a strike or lockout, the Employer is not required to maintain your health benefits coverage. Therefore, there is a very high likelihood that you will not have benefits coverage during a labour dispute.

It is advisable to reschedule any routine procedures (i.e. dental cleanings, check-ups, etc.) and to avoid incurring non-essential benefit expenses until you have benefits coverage again.

Even after a strike, you would not be reimbursed for expenses incurred when you did not have coverage.

Long-term disability and other health insurance payments are provided by insurance carriers. If you are currently receiving LTD payments and still qualify for paid sick leave as defined under your Benefit Plan or EI, you would continue to receive those entitlements.

The same goes for Maternity or Parental Leave. If you are receiving those benefits from Service Canada/Employment Insurance (EI), you should continue to receive those EI payments.

No one can know exactly how long a dispute could last.

A successful strike is one in which members stand strong and united and don’t back down until they get a contract that addresses their priorities.

Strikes have lasted as a few days, while more often, they can be weeks or months long. It all depends on whether the impact of a strike puts enough pressure on the employer to change its position.

In preparing for the worst while hoping for the best, we recommend members prepare for a longer strike.

Right here!

We are working hard to provide members with all the key information to make an informed decision well ahead of taking job action. Along with your shop stewards and bargaining committee members, your UFCW Local 247 union representatives will continue to keep members updated via emails and our FG Deli Bargaining Page.

Ensure that your contact info with us is up to date by visiting our website.

As always, please talk to your co-workers and ensure that anyone who is not receiving union emails updates their contact info with us. Tell them to email ufcw@ufcw247.com or phone toll-free 1-888-361-8329 and provide their full name, email address, and cell phone number.

At this key stage, the best thing members can do is become informed, get connected with their union, and spread the word.

If anyone is not receiving our updates, tell them to get connected with us by contacting us to update their phone number and email.  Don’t hesitate to be in touch with your shop steward and/or union rep to make sure you know the latest information. If you have a question, please ask it – we guarantee there are others with the same questions.

In advance of a possible strike situation, we are preparing Picket Captain Training. Any FG Deli member interested in taking on the role of Picket Captain is asked to please let us know by emailing ufcw@ufcw247.com.

YOUR UPDATES

Latest

17 July 2026 | Getting Prepared for Mediation and Possible Strike Action
Your union bargaining committee provides answers to frequently asked questions about mediation and how to prepare for possible strike action.
Download Update: English
Download Booklet: English

23 June 2026 | Moving to Mediation
Both the Union and the Employer have agreed to retain Mediator Mark Atkinson to assist the parties through the next steps of the negotiations process.
Download: English 

20 June 2026 | Strike Vote Results
UFCW Local 247 members at FG Deli have voted YES to authorizing strike action by 96%!
Download: English 

These are just the most recent updates. All other updates are listed at the bottom of this page.

Reports from Your Committee

Watch video reports from your union bargaining committee in three languages.

KEY DOCUMENTS

Your current Collective Agreement  

YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT BARGAINING

Frequently Asked Questions

Be sure to check out out Bargaining Basics page for frequently asked questions about the collective bargaining process.

YOUR INVOLVEMENT

Our union bargaining committee’s strength at the table is directly related to how engaged and united our members are along the way. Solidarity is key to achieving a strong and fair agreement.

Your involvement in building solidarity throughout the bargaining process makes a big difference. Here are some ways you can get involved.

Take Action

  1. Ask questions, talk with coworkers, and know the bargaining process
  2. Show support for your union bargaining committee (like wearing a “solidarity sticker” on your hardhat, and let the company know we’re united in pushing for a strong and fair agreement
  3. Update your contact information to stay informed about the process (see below)

Connect with us and get email updates

YOUR BARGAINING COMMITTEE

Your union bargaining committee drives much of the actual negotiations with the company.

Your committee is made up of your fellow union members, including shop stewards and fellow members selected by you. They work with the support of union staff members, including negotiators, communications and engagement staff, and lawyers.

Your bargaining committee has 190 years of combined experience working at the plant, with several members serving on previous union bargaining committees and several attending negotiations for the first time.

FG Deli Union Bargaining Committee 2025

Union Bargaining Committee Member Profiles

I am a 36-year UFCW member, and I served on the union bargaining committee in the last round of negotiations as well as in the 2004 negotiations at Grimms. In this round of bargaining, I want to learn more about the needs of my fellow members at the plant, and above all, I wants our committee to negotiate a collective agreement we can be proud of. I want members to know that our union bargaining committee is united in our cause and committed to representing everyone.
Cheryl CameronPackaging
FG Deli Committee member Cheryl Cameron
I have worked in the Maintenance department for 7 years, and this is my first time serving on the union bargaining committee. I'm focussed on getting the improvements that members asked for, such as increased wages, better benefits, and more. I also want to be as transparent as possible with members on our progress in negotiations and their concerns along the way. Members should know that our union bargaining committee is committed to listening to members, providing them with relevant updates, and working for the best deal possible.
Steffan GabrieleMaintenance
FG Deli Committee member Steffan Gabriele
I am a 37-year member and a union Shop Steward. I also served on the union bargaining committee that negotiated the most recent Collective Agreement. In this round of negotiations, I am focused on getting the best possible contract for members and want members to know that their union bargaining committee is united in our dedication to working for all members.
Grace KellySpice Room
FG Deli Committee member Grace Kelly
I have worked at the plant for 21 years, and I am a union Shop Steward in the Sanitation department. I was also on the union bargaining committee that negotiated the last collective agreement. My focus in this round of negotiations is on supporting members’ demands for better wages, benefits, and retirement plans. I want members to know that our union bargaining committee is dedicated to representing and caring for all union members in helping to improve their work environment.
Marcie McDonaldSanitation
FG Deli Committee Member Marcie Mcdonald
I have worked at FG Deli for 4 years and have served as a Shop Steward for most of that time. Previously, I served as a Shop Steward and union bargaining committee member with UFCW Local 1518 when I worked at Britco. I know members want their bargaining committee to focus on more money, better benefits, and a better workplace. I want members to know that they can ask their committee questions and receive information about negotiations and what’s happening with their collective agreement. The better informed the membership, the better our bargaining will be.
Ron ManguinoBoning
FG Deli Committee member Ron Mainguino
I have worked at FG Deli for almost 20 years and am a new Shop Steward on the afternoon shift. I was on the bargaining committee during the last round of negotiations. For this set of bargaining, I want to bring forward the needs of my co-workers to get wage increases that reflect not only the cost of living but also their hard work and dedication. I also want to strengthen communication and respect between management and members. Our union bargaining committee is united as a team and committed to achieving the best possible contract for all employees, not just a few.
Sharan MannanPackaging
FG Deli committee member Sharan Mannan
I am a 27-year UFCW member working in the Packaging department, and this is my first time serving on the union bargaining committee. I want to uplift and represent the voices of my fellow members in our current round of bargaining. I want members to know that our union bargaining committee values their input and will work hard for them. It is important for our union bargaining committee to be united, transparent with the membership, and willing to explain the process of negotiations.
Joselito OrculloPackaging
FG Deli committee member Joselito Orcullo
I work in Curing and have been at FG Deli for nearly 3 years now. This is my first time participating in union negotiations, and I am hopeful it will help me learn to lead and encourage members to support their union bargaining committee in the negotiations process. Our union bargaining committee is committed to transparency, and we rely on the support of the membership in negotiations.
Gilbur OrtalezaCuring
FG Deli committee member Gilbur Ortaleza
I have worked at FG Deli for 13 years, and I am a union Shop Steward. This is my first time serving on the union bargaining committee, and my goals are to attain for members wage increases, better health benefits, and knowledge through transparency about the negotiations process. Our union bargaining committee is fighting for members’ rights and benefits, and the support and trust of members is essential for us to be successful in this process.
Jude PererasCuring
FG Deli Committee member Jude Pereras
I have worked at the plant for 22 years, and this is my first time serving on the union bargaining committee. In this round of negotiations, I am focussed on understanding the collective agreement and everything that goes into reaching it. On top of that, I want to talk with all members to gather their ideas and get the best possible outcome for everyone. I want members to know that our union bargaining committee is dedicated, committed to communicating well with them throughout the process, and willing to work very hard to get the best possible collective agreement.
Brian RuckledgeCutter Kitchen
FG Deli Committee member Brian Ruckledge

ALL UPDATES

17 July 2026 | Getting Prepared for Mediation and Possible Strike Action
Your union bargaining committee provides answers to frequently asked questions about mediation and how to prepare for possible strike action.
Download Update: English
Download Booklet: English

23 June 2026 | Moving to Mediation
Both the Union and the Employer have agreed to retain Mediator Mark Atkinson to assist the parties through the next steps of the negotiations process.
Download: English 

20 June 2026 | Strike Vote Results
UFCW Local 247 members at FG Deli have voted YES to authorizing strike action by 96%!
Download: English 

11 June 2026 | Notice of Strike Vote
We are holding strike vote information sessions for all UFCW Local 247 members working at FG Deli. At these meetings, members will have the opportunity to vote on whether to authorize taking strike action.
Download: English 

19 May 2026 | Tentative Agreement Rejected
With a strong voter turnout, FG Deli members have voted to turn down the tentative agreement reached with the Employer on April 30. Next steps coming soon.
Download: English

17 May 2026 | Tentative Agreement Summary
In advance of Tuesday’s meetings and vote, we are sharing a summary of the Tentative Agreement. For full details of the Tentative Agreement and the chance to ask questions about it, please be sure to attend one of Tuesday’s meetings and vote!
Download: English | Punjabi | Tagalog

1 May 2026 | Tentative Agreement Reached
A brief update to let members know we have reached a tentative agreement with FG Deli on a new Collective Agreement. Meeting and vote details coming soon.
Download: English

11 March 2026 | Monetary Talks Begin
We have started monetary discussions with FG Deli. While we have made progress on some issues, in their first pass, the company has proposed to remove some of the things we already have. Your committee is pushing back.
Download: English | Punjabi | Tagalog

22 January 2026 | Steady Progress on Non-Monetary Issues
In this week’s meetings, we worked on the vacation selection process, protecting union members’ work, attendance management, job rotation, and more. Details in this update!
Download: English | Punjabi | Tagalog

4 December 2025 | Getting into Complex Issues
In our latest meetings, we continued to discuss a range of non-monetary issues and received a presentation from the company on benefits. In this update, we also report on a subcommittee working on the issue of vacation scheduling.
Download: English | Punjabi | Tagalog

30 October 2025 | A Good Start
Your union bargaining committee exchanged proposals with FG Deli this week. Starting with non-monetary issues, the discussions were positive and constructive.
Download: English | Punjabi | Tagalog

25 October 2025 | Ready to Bargain
Your union bargaining committee will meet with the company this week to formally begin the process of negotiating a renewal to your collective agreement. This past week, your union bargaining committee gathered for an intensive meeting to prepare for negotiations. Details in this update!
Download: English | Punjabi | Tagalog

26 September 2025 | Proposal Collection Period Closes Tomorrow!
A final reminder to members that our proposal collection period closes tomorrow. If you haven’t already submitted your proposal ideas, please do so now!
Download: English

23 September 2025 | We want to hear from you!
A gentle reminder to members that the window for submitting bargaining proposals and priorities will be open until Saturday, September 27, 2025. 
Download: English

13 September 2025 | Proposal Meeting Update!
We share the results of your union bargaining committee elections and open up the window for submitting bargaining proposals and priorities from September 13-27, 2025. 
Download: English

12 September 2025 | Proposal Meeting Tomorrow!
Our union bargaining proposal meeting is happening tomorrow, and so we’re re-sending the information to make sure you have the meeting details handy. We’re also listing the names of those who were nominated for the bargaining committee elections.
Download: English

9 September 2025 | Let’s Go!
There’s a lot going on this week, so we just wanted to give you a friendly reminder of some upcoming deadlines for FG Deli union negotiations this week.
Download: English

27 August 2025 | Notice of Proposal Meeting and Bargaining Committee Elections
We’re holding bargaining proposal meetings and union bargaining committee elections on Saturday, September 13, 2025 (10AM and 3PM) at the Sandman Signature (8828 – 201 Street, Langley, BC V2Y 0C8). This meeting is open to all UFCW Local 247 FG Deli members.
Download: English 

30 April 2025 | Getting Ready for Negotiations at FG Deli
In this update, we set out basic information about how union negotiations work and summarize the bargaining process.
Download: English

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