BC Tree Fruits Cooperative has announced that it will be closing all facilities. We are deeply saddened by the company’s decision and the impact it will have on the approximately 125 UFCW Local 247 members who work there and the broader community. This is a significant loss felt throughout our union.

Over the years there have been many signs that the cooperative was facing financial challenges, and the most recent closure of the Winfield facility is still very clear in our minds. The decision to close entirely hits even harder.

Much is now being said in the media about the fate of growers, the low volume of fruit, and the end of an era associated with the BC Tree Fruits’ iconic brand. We think much more needs to be said about the people who called the cooperative their workplace for so many years.

“Never forget that we have members who spent their working lives, in some cases nearly 45 years, working for the cooperative,” said Elisca Long, UFCW Local 247 Union Representative. “We expect the company will do the right thing by settling up with our members. At the very least, they should avoid making things any more difficult than they already are for our members.”

Long is working closely with our legal counsel to ensure that the rights of UFCW Local 247 members are fully protected and realized throughout the closure process.

For any members looking for more information, we will be sending email updates. We ask any members not receiving our emails to reach out to us at ufcw@ufcw247.com or 1-800-667-2205 to be added to our email list.

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