Shoppers Drug Mart organizing victory in Calgary

Workers at a Shoppers Drug Mart in Calgary have become the newest members of UFCW Canada Local 401 after a majority of the employees voted to join the union. The certification was issued by the Alberta Labour Relations Board on September 30.

"We're very appreciative of the strong support and determination the members showed in the face of a very anti-union employer," said UFCW Canada Local 401 President Douglas O'Halloran. "We'll be meeting with the members in the next few days, and setting up to work towards a first agreement."

The Shoppers Drug Mart, located in Calgary's Southcentre Mall, is now the the only unionized drug store in Alberta — but maybe not for long. "This was real victory for the new members, and an inroad to organize at more Shoppers Drug Mart and other drug stores in Alberta," said the Local 401 president.

The new unit of 33 members includes cashiers, pharmacy technicians, merchandisers, cosmetics staff and in-store post office staff, as well as assistant managers.

Outside of Alberta, UFCW Canada local unions represent members at 11 stores in British Columbia (Local 1518), one store in Manitoba (Local 832), one store in Quebec (Local 486), and two Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Newfoundland (Local 1252).