Compass Bargaining: Important Voting Information
The negotiating committee met with the company on Tuesday, February 18th and Thursday, February 20th. The employer slightly improved the offer that the membership rejected last year. Current members would receive a slightly larger raise and an improved retroactive pay package. You can find the offer at this link.
The company repeatedly said during negotiation that they spoke to the Alberta Government and that the government would not provide more funding to improve CompassGroup’s compensation to its workers. The company emphasized that it believed the government would go to market to see if other companies (Aramark and Sodexo) could provide service in the correction facilities.
“In this interconnected environment, every vote is a move in a larger game where each decision creates ripple effects across our community. I encourage you to cast your vote with thoughtful care and conviction, ensuring that our collective action paves the way for resilience and mutual success, even in uncertain economic times.” –Richelle Stewart, Secretary-Treasurer UFCW Local 401
The bargaining committee will hold a Zoom meeting next Tuesday at 8:30 pm to answer questions about the company offer and what was said during bargaining. You can find the link to that meeting here.
The bargaining committee will also ask the membership to give the union direction at the ratification vote on the company offer. We will ask members to vote on the following:
- Yes, I accept the company’s offer
- No, I reject the company’s offer and direct my union to take a strike vote
The membership is in a strong position to strike. You have voted to join the NDF and have over 100 million dollars in resources available to support a strike.
“We will not be rushing to strike, but it is important that the membership knows that their union will support their decision,” said Chris O’Halloran, Executive Director for UFCW Local 401. “We are ready and prepared to support a membership picket line in Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, Calgary and Lethbridge.”
We will send more information on voting arrangements and strike materials next week once the employer approves the voting locations. We are hoping to conduct in-person voting at the workplace where possible. We will also provide an online voting option for those who cannot attend the in-person vote. Watch your email for more information.
“Alberta faces significant economic headwinds today, and every decision we make needs to be a strategic step toward a stronger tomorrow. I urge each member to approach the upcoming ratification vote with both careful deliberation and confident resolve—our collective strength will guide us through these challenges and secure a shared future.” –Thomas Hesse, President UFCW Local 401
In Solidarity,
Your bargaining committee
Posted on: February 21,2025