Victories for Inclusion & Cultural Celebration
New Victories for Faith Observance & First Nations Day!
June 9, 2021 – Your UFCW 401 negotiating committee is pleased to share with you more new victories from Superstore contract talks:
- A new Letter of Understanding on Faith Observance; and
- A new Letter of Understanding on National Indigenous Peoples Day
Click here to see this newly negotiated language!
As the UFCW 401 membership continues to diversify, becoming a more inclusive organization is a priority that we are committed to, including through collective bargaining. These two Letters of Understanding are a positive step forward in updating and modernizing the Superstore Union Contract.
“As the lead negotiator for the previous Superstore contracts, I was proud of our ability to secure specific language in the Superstore Collective Agreements that increased rights for members of diverse backgrounds,” says UFCW 401 President Thomas Hesse. “Now as president, I am pleased to see that track record continue with the new letters of understanding regarding the June 21st National Indigenous Peoples Day, and Faith Observances.”
The Union Bargaining Committee has also been working hard to eliminate any gender references in the contract language of the Superstore collective agreement. Using gender-neutral language is yet another important step in modernizing and recognizing the need for change in your Collective Agreement.
“I have met with the bargaining committee, and I hear and understand their frustration with the company’s unwillingness to adapt and change with the times,” Hesse adds. “I don’t understand why we have to counter their proposals all the time to take out gender references.”
Your union is committed to making every union contract more inclusive and representative of UFCW 401’s diverse membership.
If you are interested in attending or observing a bargaining session, you can email ufcw@ufcw401.ab.ca and ask to be added to the Superstore negotiations invite list.
UFCW Local 401 conducts all bargaining as open bargaining – meaning any member is welcome to attend. We encourage all Superstore members to share and voice their opinion on what is happening in bargaining, and we welcome your involvement in the process!
In solidarity,
Your Union Negotiating Committee
Posted on: June 09,2021