Elbow River Casino: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

It is unfortunate that we are not at the negotiating table July 11th and 12th. The employer had agreed to present a monetary offer for the members on these dates. They have now canceled and offered dates in September instead, while offering nothing earlier than September. The Union has responded to their request, and we should have confirmed dates for September soon.

This is the third time the company has canceled agreed-upon dates in this set of negotiations.

“We all know that the cost-of-living crisis is making life harder on the workers at the casino, and delaying pay increases is only going to make it more difficult,” said Chris O’Halloran, Executive Director for UFCW Local 401. “We hope the company returns to the table and gives the membership the substantial wage increase they need to keep up.”

Negotiations with a government-appointed mediator took place on June 24th and 28th. There was no progress made: the employer did not agree to any changes or improvements, having already cancelled three days of negotiation in April and applied to have the mediator join negotiations in the first place. Ultimately, it takes two sides to negotiate. The continued cancellation of negotiating dates by the employer is making it difficult to reach an agreement.

“The employer’s actions lead me to believe that they have no intention of reaching a new collective agreement,” continued O’Halloran.  “We are pushing them to put a monetary offer on the table for the members to vote on, but they have not come prepared to negotiate.”

Please keep watching for more updates. If you have any questions, contact Chris O’Halloran at cohalloran@ufcw401.ab.ca or 587-999-6448 or Jeff Ible at jible@ufcw401.ab.ca or 587-583-1501.

In solidarity,

UFCW Local 401
Your Union

Posted on: July 11,2024