Canada Malting: Calling All (Potential) Strike Leaders!

We are still waiting to hear back from the company on dates for negotiation. But we have not stopped preparing.

We cannot have a strike without Picket Captains, who play a critical leadership role. We will need a minimum of 8 to 12 Picket Captains to coordinate a strike of this size.

The main duty of the Picket Captain is to be a leader and support the members walking the picket line. There are a lot of job functions of a Picket Captain listed below, but you need to be a leader, advocate, and voice for the workers at your plant.

It is important that you talk with your co-workers and make sure your leaders sign up to be picket captains. We will ensure they are trained and supported in their role, but only the membership can ensure their leaders sign up.

The basic job functions and duties of a Picket Captain are these:

• Make sure that all picketers sign in and out in order to get their strike pay.
• Make sure that the picket rules and regulations are being observed.
• Maintain a peaceful and orderly picket line.
• Remit any report forms or information reported on your shift to your Union Representative for immediate attention.
• Make sure to boost the members’ morale; they’re depending on you!

Remember, your Union Representatives are here to provide support and assistance to the members.

Picket Captain training will be paid time off from work. Unlike the Company, we understand that you are feeling the strain of the affordability crisis and want to ensure that getting trained doesn’t result in any financial loss during these challenging times.

Message 4 – Make sure the leaders in your workplace sign up for Picket Captain training. Without Picket Captains, there is no strike!

Keep watching for more information on strike preparation over the coming weeks, and we will let you know as soon as we have agreed-upon dates from the company. If you have any questions, please reach out to ULRO Jeff Ible by phone at 587-583-1501, or by e-mail at jible@ufcw401.ab.ca.

Posted on: September 24,2025