Your Voice, Your Vote: Sofina’s Final Offer

Dear Sofina Members,

As you prepare to vote on the Company’s Final Offer later this week, your UFCW 401 Bargaining Committee believes it is essential to clearly lay out your options. This decision is significant, and your voice is the one that matters when determining the way forward.

Option 1: Accepting the Company’s Final Offer

Sofina’s Final Offer includes meaningful improvements that weren’t on the table before bargaining began. These gains include:

• An immediate $1.30 per hour wage increase for all members if the offer is ratified.
• Retroactive payments of $0.75 per hour for all hours worked back to April 1, 2024, and $0.55 per hour back to April 1, 2025.
• Better health and safety protections, enhanced benefits, and stronger representation language.

This would be the most substantial wage increase seen in recent years at Sofina. While the offer doesn’t resolve every issue the membership identified, it represents real progress; particularly in a tough economic climate and under the looming threat of a lockout or extended labour dispute.

“This offer reflects what can be achieved when workers stand together,” said Thomas Hesse, President of UFCW Local 401. “It’s not everything our members wanted, but it’s something we can build from, especially in an industry where gains are hard-fought.”

Option 2: Rejecting Sofina’s Final Offer

We also understand that many of you have concerns. Some of your key priorities weren’t addressed, and we’ve heard specific frustrations from our truck driver members about how this offer would negatively impact their compensation. If you choose to reject the offer, Sofina has threatened to lock you out as early as Friday, May 23, 2025. Without a legal strike vote in place, a lockout would mean:

• No eligibility for strike pay, and
• The company could unilaterally change your contract conditions.

To protect your rights and prepare for this possibility, a legal strike vote will be held Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Strike Pay Details: As part of the UFCW Canada National Defence Fund, if a legal strike is authorized, you would receive $500 per week after the first week of a strike or lockout. Members must spend 40 hours per week on the picket line to qualify.

Will the Company Improve the Offer After a Lockout or Strike? Sofina has stated clearly: this is their final offer, even in the event of a strike. This mirrors their position in 2012, when members endured a 10-week strike, only to return to work with nearly the same offer they initially rejected.

How Long Could a Lockout or Strike Last? There’s no way of knowing for sure. Based on past experience, you should prepare for a long dispute. The last strike at your plant lasted 10 weeks. Sofina has hinted that a prolonged dispute could raise questions about the plant’s future.

“Our members are resilient, but they also face real challenges right now,” said Richelle Stewart, Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW Local 401. “We’ll stand with you, whatever your decision. But we must be intentional, strategic, and united.” 

The Choice Is Yours

With the cost of living, groceries, utilizes and everything else increasing, you have a very important choice ahead of you and UFCW 401 will support you whatever your decision. 

Q&A Meeting
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Chateau Nova Kingsway,
159 Airport Rd NW, Edmonton, AB

In-Person Voting
Thursday, May 15, 2025
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sofina Plant – Main Lunchroom

Online Voting
For those who can’t attend in person:
Begins: 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 15
Ends: 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 16, 2025

Make sure we have your current email. Contact the union office to update your contact info.

Note: UFCW 401 uses an independent voting company to conduct online votes, and they need a valid email address to send a ballot to.  If you’re unsure if UFCW 401 has your email address, please contact our Edmonton office to update your contact information.

If the Offer Is Rejected:

Strike Vote
Tuesday, May 20, 2025,
from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
UFCW Local 401 Union Office
14040 – 128 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB

If the offer is accepted, the strike vote will be cancelled.

This is your workplace, your livelihood, and your decision. No one can choose for you. Your union will be here to support you every step of the way.

In Solidarity,
Your UFCW 401 Bargaining Committee

For a printable version of this document, click here.

Posted on: May 13,2025