The union for Saskatoon Co-op workers since 1979

Important news for members working at Saskatoon Co-Op in Hepburn, Watrous, Dalmeny, Waldheim, and Rostern, SK

TO: UFCW Local 1400 Members Employed at Saskatoon Co-Op Locations in Hepburn, Watrous, Dalmeny, Waldheim, and Rostern, SK

Dear UFCW 1400 Saskatoon Co-op members:

UFCW Canada Local 1400 has a membership of over 6,000, is governed by an Executive Board with rank-and-file members, and operates two offices (one in Saskatoon and one in Regina) with a full-time staff of ten, including a legal team of lawyers. More than 400 Shop Stewards and Committee members also assist in representing the membership.

As you may be aware, Saskatoon Co-op has refused to recognize that you are a union member and is prohibiting you access to your union contract known as a Collective Agreement. Your certification order (see below) clearly states that all employees of the Saskatoon Co-operative working at locations all across the province are members of UFCW 1400. This entitles you to the rights negotiated within the Collective Agreement. The Co-op’s refusal to recognize your contract has caused your union to pursue the matter in front of the Saskatchewan Labor Relations Board, to ensure you enjoy the same rights and privileges as all union members of the Saskatoon Co-op in Saskatchewan:

• The right for guaranteed pay increases;

• benefit and pension plan contributions which are negotiated by Saskatoon Coop Union members;

• the right to apply for jobs based on union seniority within the Saskatoon Cooperative across the province which may open opportunities and wage increases for you;

• a process whereas workers have a voice in the workplace, whether it be working conditions, health concerns, harassment or unreasonable policies; and

• that same process which keeps your job safe from unwarranted discipline or termination. You can expect to have work evaluation on performance not on relationships.

These are but a few examples of what you will find in your union collective agreement.

You may already be enjoying the wages or benefits of the UFCW 1400 agreement as a result of the merger.  If that has occurred, as it should have, then as a unionized worker you deserve it, and know this – your union contract prevents the employer from taking away that increase or additional benefits.  If this has not occurred, contact us as soon as possible.

I urge you to visit our office at 306 384 5787 and ask for the Representative for the Saskatoon Co-op or myself to answer any of your questions or workplace issues.

 

In Solidarity,

Norm Neault, President
UFCW Canada Local 1400

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HEARINGS WILL BE HELD AT THE SASKATCHEWAN LABOUR RELATIONS BOARD ON
JULY 22 – 23, 2020, REGARDING SASKATOON CO-OP’S REFUSAL TO RECOGNIZE YOUR UNION CONTRACT:

Notice to employer by UFCW Local 1400 to abide by the certification order
As of a result of the amalgamations and/or mergers of the Watrous and Hepburn Co-operatives on August 19, 2018 and February 3, 2019 (respectively), the Union is remitting the following maintenance of membership request as well as notifying the Co-operative that the terms and conditions contained within the Collective Agreement negotiated between the parties apply to all members of UFCW 1400 as established by section (a) of the Order of the Labour Relations Board, dated the 7th day of November, 2002.

Certification Order issued by the Saskatchewan Labour Board (excerpt of Section (a))
In accordance with Section 6-42 of the Saskatchewan Employment Act, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1400, which represents the employees in the appropriate unit of employees established by section (a) of the Order of the Labour Relations Board, dated the 7th day of November, 2002, being:

“that all employees employed by Saskatoon Co-operative Association Limited, working in or from its places of business in Saskatchewan,”