Maintaining Safety and Member Access to UFCW Local 401 during the Pandemic
In light of recent public health orders announced on December 8, 2020, we provide the following information to UFCW Local 401 members on adjustments to union operations.
All Albertans are required to follow the orders issued by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, which are enforceable by law under the Public Health Act.
Most UFCW Local 401 members are employed in workplaces that are still operating throughout the pandemic – with certain restrictions outlined in orders issued – and it is our view that our members are still entitled to heightened union representation during this time.
Our duties are inextricably linked to the operations and situations affecting our members in their workplaces, and we will continue to provide all necessary representation and services throughout the pandemic so as to meet our union’s operational effectiveness.
We will continue to visit workplaces for the purposes of union business, including enforcement of Collective Agreements and the effectiveness of our operations. As social gatherings are restricted, we will not be visiting workplaces for strictly social or visibility purposes.
Member Access to their Union
While in-person meetings are now restricted (see below), UFCW Local 401 members will have the best access to union representatives that we can offer at this time.
Phone
Union Labour Relations Officers and Walking Stewards are available by calling your local union officer or reaching out on our toll-free number at 1-800-252-7975.
UFCW Local 401 members can still contact their union with concerns 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by using that same number.
You can always reach your Union Labour Relations Officer by email.
Contact information for the union staff person assigned to your workplace is available here: http://www.gounion.ca/contact
Social Media
Feel free to follow us on our social media channels, where we are constantly providing information to members on issues that affect their workplaces.
We are found @ufcw401 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
You can send general inquiries through those channels, but please keep in mind that they are monitored by our Communications team, and specific questions will be referred to your Union Labour Relations Officers.
Workplace visits
Union Labour Relations Officers will continue to safely visit our members’ workplaces consistent with all current Public Health Orders.
In-Person Meetings with Members and Union Office Restrictions
In our ongoing efforts to protect members and the public and in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19, UFCW Local 401 encourages members and representatives to host virtual meetings wherever possible. Limited in-person meetings are permitted but only where required by the circumstances.
In-person meetings will be held by appointment only and in full compliance with all Public Health Orders, including physical distancing protocols, office visitor screening measures, and the mandatory use of personal protective equipment.
UFCW Local 401 offices are closed to the public until a further assessment of the pandemic determines otherwise.
Posted on: December 10,2020