Progress Stalls at Old Dutch: Is Mediation Up Next?
We Need Your Input!
Contract negotiations continued August 19, 20 and 21. Your Union bargaining committee went back and forth with the Company over those three days and exchanged multiple pass on all outstanding items, both monetary and non-monetary.
The first two days of talks resulted in moderate progress. However, progress slowed at the end of the week, when the Company stopped making meaningful movement on both monetary and non-monetary items in its last package on August 21.
Because bargaining essentially stalled, in our view, we told the Company on August 21 that we may need to apply for mediation.
As mentioned in out last update, bargaining is ultimately about power, and to achieve the best possible settlement, your Union must be taken seriously by the Employer in all aspects of negotiations. Based on the Company’s last package, from August 21, they still have a long way to go in terms of Union recognition and a sunset clause for discipline. In terms of money, they still have a long way to go in terms of key items such as wages (including retro pay) and benefits.
To gain power and assert leverage after a stall in negotiations, sometimes it is necessary to apply to the Government to appoint a third-parry Mediator to assist in the process.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a normal part of the bargaining process.
When matters are not progressing through negotiations, workers can apply to have a government-appointed mediator assist with the process in an attempt to bring the parties closer to an agreement.
Mediators act as a third party to listen to bargaining discussions and offer potential solutions to get negotiations back on track. In short, a mediator is there to help.
A mediator does not have the legal authority to impose a settlement on the union or the company. But in some circumstances, they may make recommendations for a settlement. In some cases, these recommendations may be brought to union members for consideration and a vote.
Under Alberta law, mediation is required before workers can apply to the Alberta Labor Relations Board (ALRB) to hold a strike vote through their union. It also requires companies to participate in mediation before they can apply for a lockout vote.
Despite the challenges we have faced, your Union Bargaining Committee will give mediation every opportunity to succeed and participate in the process with the goal of making meaningful progress in bargaining.
Make Your voice Heard!
Mediation is a very important next step in the process and we need your input!
Please click here to fill out our online survey!
As a reminder, your Union conducts collective bargaining in an open and transparent manner. If you wish to attend bargaining in the future, please don’t hesitate to contact Union Labour Relations Officer Kyle Sandau (by phone at 403-330-8544, or by email at [email protected]), or Union Labour Relations Officer/Chief Spokesperson Jeff Ible directly (by phone at 587-583-1501, or by e-mail at [email protected]).
Stay tuned for future updates!
In solidarity,
Your Union
UFCW Local 401
Posted on: September 01,2026