Newly-unionized workers at Highline Mushrooms farms in 91Ô­´´ and Abbotsford announced their first collective agreement this week, with 98 per cent of the members who participated voting in favour.

Earlier this year, almost 400 farm workers at several Highline facilities joined the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) local 1518.

The UFCW said it was the largest single group of farm workers to unionize in Canada.

The new contract raises wages by 4.55 per cent by June 2025, and adds a 50 cents hourly bonus for late work for many employees. All the workers also receive a $500 signing bonus.

One unique aspect of the contract is that it offers up to $2,000 in payment towards applications and legal costs for local members who apply for permanent residency in Canada. Many of the Highline workers locally are temporary foreign workers, from Mexico, India, Vietnam, and Guatemala.

The contract also includes the creation of a joint management-worker committee to oversee worker housing and housing conditions. Many temporary foreign farm workers live on-site at their farms.

“These temporary foreign workers secured a historic first contract that includes life-changing provisions and raises the bar for the agricultural industry in British Columbia," said UFCW local 1518 president Patrick Johnson.

Black Press Media has reached out to Highline for comment on the new contract. 

After the union drive began, Highline provided a statement that said the company was proud to provide an environment where employees could develop meaningful and fulfilling careers. 

"Growing premium quality mushrooms is what we do, and we couldn’t do it without the excellence of our dedicated team," the statement said. "We respect our employees’ decision to be part of a union and will work with them to continue to provide an exceptional employee experience."