Solidarity!
An Urgent Message from UFCW Local 401
“Things are heating up in Alberta,” says Richelle Stewart, Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW Local 401. “We stand in solidarity with CUPE workers.”
“In an economy that has workers poised to strike at public schools,” adds Stewart: “Where instructional assistants, janitors and others are struggling with the affordability crisis, it’s more important than ever that workers stand together.”
“Shockingly, the government of Alberta has intervened and blocked a strike,” continues our Treasurer. “CUPE workers are brave enough to take action, but the government has thrown up roadblocks against their protests.”
Secretary-Treasurer Richelle Stewart addresses UFCW 401 members at a recent Town Hall meeting.
“We stand in support of all workers in Alberta who are fighting for their economic lives,” says UFCW Local 401’s President Thomas Hesse.
“Today,” added President Hesse: “I attended the convention of the Alberta Union of Public Employees (AUPE), who represent a hundred thousand Alberta workers. All of them agree that we need and deserve a raise.”
“Other unions need us now,” continued Hesse. “And we’re going to need them soon. An Alberta judge’s interference with the Safeway wage reopener feels no different from a government official interfering with the right to strike. If we have to go on strike at Superstore and Safeway in the near future, we will need all Albertans — and certainly unionized Albertans — to boycott those workplaces where we’re on strike.”
“Tensions are high in Alberta, and union energy is growing to confront the painful anxiety of the affordability crisis,” concluded Hesse.
President Guy Smith of the AUPE and President Thomas Hesse of UFCW Local 401.
Stay connected! Please make sure we have your phone and e-mail, and make sure you’re reaching out to us as we will reach out to you in the crucial weeks and months ahead.
In solidarity,
Your Union
UFCW Local 401
Click here to see a printable version of this update.
Posted on: October 25,2024