Superstore Update: Union Applies for Mediation
UFCW 401’s Superstore Negotiating Committee has decided to apply for mediation. Since Superstore is unwilling to address the basic concerns of UFCW 401 members and refuses to renew the rights and privileges that members currently enjoy, it is clear the company is not interested in improving the economic wellbeing of Superstore employees.
Check out a message from members of your Negotiating Committee below:
What is Mediation?
In collective bargaining, mediation services help “labour and management resolve disputes in collective bargaining negotiations,” according to the Government of Alberta. As well, “legislation requires mediation before parties can legally strike or lockout.” You can access more information on mediation in Alberta by clicking here.
In practical terms, mediation means an independent third party is going to join the Superstore negotiations and try to help the two parties – the company and the union – resolve the outstanding proposals and issues that are preventing agreement on a new contract.
Superstore has agreed with the recommendation of the Negotiating Committee to use Mediator Mia Norrie. Mia is very familiar with Superstore and with UFCW Local 401, as she was the mediator for the last set of Superstore negotiations.
In the meantime, the union is pushing hard to get the company to agree to a new contract as soon as possible. At this point, it appears that Superstore is unwilling to discuss money without moving the entire negotiation process to monetary talks. In the meantime, the union is pushing hard to get the company to agree to a new contract as soon as possible. At this point, it appears that Superstore is unwilling to discuss money without moving the entire negotiation process to monetary talks. We will begin talking money between July 19 to 23. If Superstore is not willing to put a fair offer on the table, the UFCW 401 membership will have to start considering a strike vote.
If you are interested in joining the Negotiation Committee via video conference, e-mail us at ufcw@ufcw401.ab.ca. By attending the conference, you can see and hear for yourself what Superstore is proposing as a fair settlement.
Posted on: June 28,2021