Banff IGA Wage Reopener – We are heading to arbitration
The Union Negotiating Committee met with Banff IGA franchisee Shawn on December 11 and 12, 2025 to bargain the wage reopener. Bargaining showed that Shawn was not willing to address the issues the membership expressed as priorities over the summer. It also demonstrated that Shawn has attempted to mislead workers into joining CLAC.
During the summer, CLAC said they would fix any benefit concerns with Shawn. We asked him to address benefits during our recent negotiations, and he refused to even entertain our proposal. We asked him to give a raise to members in the scales, and he refused. We asked him to increase the signage in the store to instruct customers to abstain from abusive behaviour, and he refused!
It is clear from Shawn’s actions this summer and during recent negotiations that he does not understand or care about the Affordability Crisis that requires improved wages and benefits, and which is especially relevant in Banff. After two days of negotiation and being presented with expansive news and research on the increased cost of living in Banff, he offered a 1.5% increase for June 24, 2025 and a 1.75% increase for June 24, 2026.
“The offer was insulting, the same lawyer at the Forest Lawn Sobeys offered 1.5% and 2% for Calgary and we all know the cost of living is higher in Banff than in Calgary,” said UFCW Local 401 Executive Director Chris O’Halloran.
The union has hired Harold Caley to lead the Banff IGA arbitration, the same legal representative for UFCW 401 that originally won the 5% and 5% wage increase arbitration for Safeway members.
“Harold is simply one of the best lawyer in the country for these kinds of arbitrations”, continued O’Halloran. “We will be working with Harold to hire economists and researchers to ensure we have the best possible economic data for the wage reopener arbitration.”
Keep watching your email and union board for more updates on scheduling for the arbitration. If you have any questions, contact Chris at 587-999-6448 or cohalloran@ufcw401.ab.ca and April at 403-852-1707 or aalbrecht@ufcw401.ab.ca.
Your Union Bargaining Committee
In Solidarity,
Your UFCW Local 401 Negotiations Committee
Posted on: January 22,2026