Edmonton – September 20, 2019 – Warehouse workers at JLM Supply in Edmonton, Alberta are the newest members of UFCW Canada Local 401 after recently voting to join the union. 

The new members work with gaskets, valves, strainers, swivel joints, bolting, and other products and perform physically 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 improve worker safety,” says Saba Mossagizi, UFCW 401 Union Organizer. “In this tough Alberta economy, the security and protection of a union is a prudent choice for workers,” she adds.

“We are delighted that the employer has agreed to a quick and fruitful set of negotiations,” says 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, fast-paced approach to bargaining first-contracts in Alberta that involves high levels of member engagement. Members can expect to see surveys to gauge their wants and expectations. The union will also be looking for members to join the Health and Safety Committee and take up rolls as union stewards.

To read more about the organizing victory at JLM Supply, click here.

UFCW Local 401 is Alberta’s largest private sector union, representing 32,000 members working in the food processing, retail, education, health care, hospitality, and security industries, among other sectors of the economy. To learn more about UFCW 401 and its outstanding work, visit the Local Union’s website.

How can I join the union?

Are you a non-unionized worker who would like to enjoy the benefits of a UFCW Canada collective agreement? Do you and your co-workers want to gain the union advantage at work? Join Canada’s best union, UFCW Canada, and make your workplace better today. Click here to join now.