Talks Break Off With Operating Engineers, Bargaining Committee Applies for Mediation…
Your union Bargaining Committee recently met with the Operating Engineers to continue discussions aimed at renewing your union contract.
On March 11 and 12, 2025, we made significant progress, working through the remaining non-monetary items and improving important language related to seniority, layoffs, and technological changes.
Following that, we agreed to meet with the Employer on March 18 and 19, 2025, to present our opening monetary proposal. This proposal was based largely on suggestions we gathered from you through surveys and the proposal meeting.
Unfortunately, it quickly became clear that the Company and the union were too far apart on key issues. As a result, your Bargaining Committee decided to apply for a government-appointed mediator to assist in reaching an agreement.
Click HERE for a short video explaining Mediation.
“It’s unfortunate that we’ve had to call on the help of a mediator in our efforts to secure a fair contract for our members during the affordability crisis,” said UFCW Local 401 President Thomas Hesse. “Our members are struggling to make ends meet, and it is our responsibility to bargain the best possible contract for them during this critical time.”
“We remain committed to doing just that and using whatever tools we can to achieve outcomes that will meet their needs, including mediation,” added Hesse.
Once the mediator is appointed, they will reach out to both parties to schedule meetings and work to move everyone closer to an agreement. Mediators can often prove helpful in getting companies to revise their expectations for what needs to be offered in order to make a deal.
“The mediation process will provide us with the opportunity to resolve the outstanding issues in a fair and transparent manner,” concluded UFCW Local 401 Secretary Treasurer Richelle Stewart. “Our members deserve the best offer possible, and that’s what we will remain focused on getting them.”
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to members of your Bargaining Committee or contact your Union Labour Relations Officer, Dee Mae Beler, via our Edmonton Office.
Posted on: March 26,2025