Your Voice Matters: Final Offer Vote
Dear UFCW 401 members at Sofina North,
Since negotiations began last year, your Union Negotiating Committee has been hard at work advancing your priorities, concerns, and demands. Over the course of 15 bargaining days, and an additional three days with the help of a government-appointed mediator, we pressed the company for meaningful improvements.
Throughout this process, our goal has been clear: to bring you the best possible offer for a fair vote.
While we made progress and reached agreement on many important items, we were not able to achieve a full agreement that addressed every concern members raised. On the final day of mediation, the company presented what they called their final offer.
NOTE: You can find translated versions of the employers offer, here.
While this offer does not address every issue that was raised by the membership, your Union Negotiating Committee believes that through your support and solidarity, we were able to push the company to put their best possible financial offer on the table, without some sort of strike or lockout.
“Sofina Workers have bargained strong together for over a year. While we might not have achieved everything we wanted, your strength and solidarity have pushed the company further than they ever wanted to move,” says UFCW Local 401 President Thomas Hesse.
Highlights of the Company’s Final Offer:
- Four-year agreement expiring March 2028
- $2.40 in wage increases, including $1.30 at ratification
- $0.75 retroactive pay on all hours worked back to April 1, 2024
- $0.55 retroactive pay on all hours worked back to April 1, 2025
- Pathway to guaranteed hours for employees hired after 2020
- Increased boot allowance
- Improved vision care coverage
- New dual-ticket premium for trades-persons
- Introduction of apprenticeship rates and language
- Stronger health and safety provisions
- Improved Union representation protections
These improvements represent meaningful gains. But the choice on whether to accept or reject them is yours to make.
To ensure you have time to review and reflect, we will be giving you a week before we hold our ratification votes. Your union strongly encourages you to read the full offer carefully and reach out to your Union Negotiating Committee with any questions you may have.
Don’t wait for the info session to ask questions – start the conversation now.
“This vote is not just about this offer, it’s also about your future,” says Secretary Treasurer Richelle Stewart. “No one knows better what is right for you and your family than you. So, please, ask the questions you need answered to make an informed decision and make your voice heard by casting your vote!”
If members choose to reject the company’s Final Offer, a strike vote will be held the following week.
Upcoming Meetings and Voting Details
Question & Answer Meeting: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Chateau Nova Kingsway, 159 Airport Rd NW,
Edmonton, AB
In-Person Voting: Thursday, May 15, 2025. 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sofina Plant – Main Lunchroom
Online Voting: For members unable to attend in person,
online voting will take place:
7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 15 to 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 16, 2025
Note: Your union uses an independent voting company to ensure secure, anonymous ballots. You must have a valid email address on file to receive your ballot. If you’re unsure, please contact your union office to update your information.
Your vote will determine the next steps. Make your voice heard on this important decision!
In solidarity,
Your UFCW Local 401 Union Bargaining Committee
For a printable version of this document, click here.
Posted on: May 09,2025