A Return to Negotiations at ADM Milling
We have agreed to more dates for negotiations with ADM next week. As we prepare to meet with the company on September 8th and 9th, we’d also like to introduce the new chief spokesperson who will represent your Union during negotiations.
Here he is in his own words:
“I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Chris O’Halloran, and I am the Executive Director with UFCW Local 401. Lee Clarke was your spokesperson, but is now enjoying his well-deserved retirement.
“I have over nineteen years of experience with UFCW, and have worked in almost every role within the Union over that time. I currently serve as the Director of Negotiations, and I’ve been in regular contact with Lee throughout your bargaining. Your ULRO, Kyle Sandau, and your negotiation committee (Jose Correia, Kenneth Curle, and Jessy Gobeil) will continue to represent you throughout the process.”
President Thomas Hesse of UFCW Local 401 says: “In times when our members are suffering from an affordability crisis, your union is conducting the most aggressive bargaining in our history. We know that your negotiating committee will stand strong for you and fight for the best possible deal.”
Secretary Treasurer Richelle Stewart adds: “We are hopeful that ADM will put forward an improved offer in the coming week. But if they’re not willing to improve their offer, we will need to start putting pressure on ADM, their suppliers, and their customers to get them to budge.”
You can click here to see a copy of the UFCW Local 401 Strike Handbook. We hope not to have to go on strike, and a strike is not imminent. However, we believe it is essential to be open and transparent with our members so that you can begin to prepare.
Please closely review the section on “scab” labour (pages seven and eight of the manual) in particular. The federal prohibition on replacement workers gives you a lot more leverage than you’ve had in the past.
Please speak with your negotiating committee, your ULRO Kyle, or give Chris O’Halloran a call to discuss negotiations. You can reach Chris on his cell at 587-999-6448.
UFCW Local 401 is your union, and we pride ourselves on being open and transparent with our members. All negotiation sessions are open to you if you wish to observe how the process works. If you’re interested in coming out, we’ll be at the Glenmore Inn. Please let Kyle or Chris know you’ll be attending so they can arrange seating.
Posted on: September 02,2025