Bargaining Begins at Sofina in Calgary
Your Union Negotiations Committee met with the Company to commence bargaining on October 8-9, 2025, and again on October 16-17, 2025.
Both parties began the meetings with presentations and opening statements about the state of the business, the economy, and the rising cost of living. The Union’s opening presentation focused primarily on the increased struggle that employees are facing, trying to make ends meet with the costs of everything skyrocketing over the last number of years. The Employer’s presentation was mostly about efficiency, staying competitive, and the needs of the business.
Open and Transparent Bargaining
Under the leadership of President Thomas Hesse and Secretary Treasurer Richelle Stewart, and with the support of the Executive Board, the local has adopted an open and transparent approach to collective bargaining. This means that your Bargaining Committee will be providing regular updates and creating opportunities for you to be more involved as the process continues.
This also means that we are sharing both the Union and the Company’s initial bargaining proposal packages which you can find here:
Click here to see a copy of the Union’s bargaining proposals
Click here to see a copy of the Company’s bargaining proposal
While these are initial positions, your union does have some serious concerns about several of the proposals that have been tabled by the Company. While it is too early to tell where their priorities lie, the membership needs to be aware of the potential concessions that the Company wants to discuss.
Upcoming Bargaining Dates
Your Bargaining Committee has scheduled the following dates to continue discussions with the Company:
- November 5-6, 2025
- December 9-11, 2025
We will keep you updated as things progress. Please feel free to reach out to your Negotiating Committee members if you have any questions.
In Solidarity,
Your UFCW Local 401 Negotiations Committee
Devin Yeager (Chief Spokesperson)
Jeff Ible (Union Representative)
Cheryl Bubenchak
Marcello Wani
Calvin Hval
Harpal Benipal
Maria Gina Quibin
Joana Rose Magpantay
Shemsedin Yonis
Adelard Tabala
Seyed Naser
Montazer Shahi
Effect Lopia
Posted on: November 03,2025