On October 2, workers at Farmers for Climate Solutions ratified their first collective agreement, with several significant gains that will improve their working conditions and allow them to better serve their members and support Canada’s agricultural sector.  

This agreement includes major wins, such as:  

• A four-day work week; 

• Fair wage increases; 

• Extended pregnancy and parental leave top-ups to 75% of wages; 

• Improved pension benefits by moving to the CAAT defined benefit pension plan; 

• Protected two-week vacation during the winter holidays; 

• Guaranteed union consultation when hiring term employees; 

• $500 health care savings accounts with a commitment to ongoing improvements to benefits. 

“Achieving a four-day work week means a lot to us. It will dramatically improve work-life balance, allowing us more time to enjoy life. It really feels like a game-changer,” said Ben Lewis, a member of the bargaining team. 

Members of PSAC-UNE Local 70405 won this significant contract by showing their strength and solidarity; proving that when workers are united, they can win major improvements to their working conditions.  

Workers at Farmers for Climate Solutions develop policies and solutions to help farmers and ranchers across Canada transition to more sustainable and resilient methods of agriculture. Their science-based coalition brings together farmers and ranchers, climate scientists, agricultural economists, and other experts to address issues of climate change impacting farmers and ranchers.  

Across the country, farmers and ranchers have been struggling with droughts, wildfires, and other climate disasters. The work of Farmers for Climate Solutions is more important than ever, and this collective agreement will support these workers in their work to ensure sustainability and resilience in Canada’s agricultural sector.