CFB: Your Union Applies for Mediation
Over the past several months, your Union Bargaining Committee has been actively engaging with your Employer in an effort to secure a renewed Collective Agreement that reflects the hard work and dedication of our membership. Our goal is to ensure improvements that the members can be proud of, while addressing the key issues that impact you all daily.
During the most recent bargaining session on October 15 and 16, 202, the Company presented a monetary package. However, your Bargaining Committee found it to be far below expectations and, frankly, insufficient to address many of the critical concerns raised by the membership.
Some of the provisions in their offer were concessionary, meaning they would strip away current benefits and rights — such as MEA’s and the ability for members to pick up extra shifts in other areas to supplement their income. These takeaways would directly affect individual members’ paychecks and could create significant disruptions to essential programs where members work additional shifts, such as fitness, recreation, martial arts, summer camps, social media, and front desk operations, to name just a few.
Given the severe impact these concessions would have on both individuals and community programs, your Bargaining Committee emphasized the need to stand firm on the membership’s demands. We also sought the involvement of a neutral third-party mediator, appointed by the federal government, in hopes of moving toward an agreement that better reflects the needs of the membership.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a formal process where an independent, government-appointed mediator helps both parties — the Union and the Employer — come to a fair resolution. The mediator does not have decision-making power but facilitates discussions, offering suggestions and guiding the parties toward common ground. While mediation is non-binding, it allows both sides to openly discuss their positions with the support of a neutral party, aiming to avoid further conflict and reach a resolution that benefits everyone.
Click here to view a helpful video that explains mediation.
We want to stress that we pursued negotiations with the genuine hope of avoiding this step. We strongly believe in resolving issues directly with the Employer and working collaboratively to find common ground. However, after several months of no movement, and despite our repeated attempts to encourage the Employer to reconsider their position, we are left with no other choice but to move forward with formal mediation.
We are keenly aware that the rising cost of living — including skyrocketing grocery prices, utility bills, and other essential services — is putting an immense strain on all of us. What an hour of work could buy just a few years ago is simply not enough today. This, combined with the economic realities of the post-pandemic world, has made it clear that what may have been an acceptable offer before is no longer sufficient. Your expectations are high because your contributions deserve to be fairly recognized and compensated.
In this challenging time, it’s more important than ever to maintain solidarity and ensure information is shared openly and transparently. We will continue to focus on the key issues that matter most to you and will not settle for less than what you deserve. Together, we will push for a fair offer that reflects both your value and the economic realities we all face.
We will keep you informed every step of the way as new developments unfold. Your support and unity are essential as we continue this fight.
In Solidarity,
Your Union
UFCW Local 401
Click here for a printable version of this update.
Posted on: February 07,2025