“Let’s learn from history rather than repeating it…”

UFCW Local 401 echoes calls for COVID-19 vaccine access

Did you know that the provincial government is changing its strategy around COVID-19 vaccines?

It’s true. And according to Alberta Federation of Labour President Gil McGowan, the new strategy spells nothing but trouble for Alberta workers. 

In a letter to Premier Danielle Smith, McGowan warns that the province’s new strategy, “will create unnecessary and dangerous barriers to access which could potentially overwhelm our health care facilities with new outbreaks.”

You can read McGowan’s full letter by clicking here.

UFCW Local 401 members are no strangers to the risks posed by COVID-19.

Your union stood on the frontlines, calling for greater health and safety measures to protect workers and increased access to vaccines for those who wished to be vaccinated.

In particular, your union pushed for early vaccination access for meatpacking workers, given the tragedy that unfolded at Cargill’s High River Plant and later at the Olymel Red Deer Plant. 

“Let’s learn from history rather than repeating it,” says UFCW Local 40 President Thomas Hesse. “Those who wish to get vaccinated in the coming months should be able to do so without having to bear the cost themselves, and at a time and location that works for their lives.”

“COVID-19 is vaccination not a political issue,” adds Secretary Richelle Stewart. “This is about keeping Albertans safe and ensuring that anyone who wants to be vaccinated encounters as few barriers to accessing that service as possible.”

Click here to read a five-year reflection on the pandemic and its impact on UFCW 401 members.

Posted on: August 18,2025