Calgary Quest members vote in favour of offer

Calgary Quest Children’s Society members have voted in favour of the company offer, ratifying a new contract. After multiple bargaining sessions, an NDF vote, the rejection of a prior unsatisfactory offer, and mediation, the membership found this new offer to be acceptable.

Neither UFCW Local 401 nor the bargaining committee recommended this deal. Rather, we presented it factually to the membership. Many members have confided in us that although they acknowledge that the offer does not completely meet their needs during the Affordability Crisis, they accepted the deal because their dedication to education of a vulnerable community was important.

“Don’t let acceptance fool you. The members had a hard choice to make, and many expressed that they chose the lesser of two evils,” states Spencer Mitchell, Lead Negotiator for UFCW Local 401. “This is perhaps a basis for further improvements towards equity and comprehensive compensation next round.”

UFCW Local 401 would like to thank the bargaining team for their hard work and tenacity in obtaining this deal.

Key Highlights Include:

Introduction of Equity Language

Improvement on Sick and Personal Day Usage Language

PPE and Facility Improvements

Sick Children and Behavioral Language Improvements

Salary Increases: 2024-2025 School Year: 4.00%, 2025-2026 School Year: 3.5%,2026-2027 School Year: 3%

RRSP Increase: 5+ years of service – increase matching to 6% (from 5%)

Benefits Increase: Double benefit amount from $500 to $1000 for all health care professional categories

Bereavement Leave Modernization: Recognition of non-nuclear families

Posted on: January 08,2026