JLM Supply workers pull together, join UFCW

A big congratulations go to the warehouse employees of J.L.M. Supply Ltd., a small family-run operation located in Edmonton; who have chosen to form a union!

The newest members of UFCW Local 401 work with gaskets, valves, strainers, swivel joints, bolting, and other useful products. The job is physically and mentally demanding work that involves shipping, receiving, and welding-fabrication.

“The main reasons these workers chose to create a union was to fix job security and worker safety.” – Saba Mossagizi Union Organizer, “In this tough Alberta economy, the security and protection of a union are more than prudent for workers.”

The secret ballot vote took place at the beginning of August, and the ballots were counted September 12 with the vast majority of workers voting in favour of joining UFCW Local 401.

“We are delighted the employer agreed to a quick and fruitful set of negotiations.” – Chris O’Halloran, Director of Organizing at Local 401, “We will be commencing bargaining within 30 days and have agreed to start the process of first contract arbitration within 90 days if necessary.”

The first contract arbitration process is a new approach to collective bargaining first-contracts; it’s fast-paced with lots of membership engagement. Members can expect to see surveys to gauge their wants and expectations by the middle of the week. The union will also be looking for members to join the Health and Safety Committee and take-up rolls as union stewards.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 401 is Alberta’s largest private-sector union with 32,000 members working in industries as diverse as food and beverage processing, retail, Warehousing, hospitality, healthcare, and education.

Posted on: September 17,2019