UFCW 401 & 1118 form largest private sector union in Alberta

Calgary – November 21, 2017 – UFCW Canada Local 401 members and UFCW Canada Local 1118 members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of merging into a bigger, stronger Local 401 — creating the largest private sector local union in Alberta.

UFCW 401 now boasts an impressive 32,000 members throughout 18 cities and towns, including a number of camps in the northern Alberta. With this comes significant increased negotiating power.

There are a number of initiatives that both Locals have been engaging in during recent years that can be combined and fine tuned together. One of these initiatives is the development of member action committees, which are designed to give members an outlet for their energy, enthusiasm, and talents. Members on these committees work together to reach their union counterparts in many different workplaces and make connections that will assist in developing an active and motivated worker collective in order to make positive change happen in Alberta for all 401 members and their communities.

UFCW Canada Local 401 President Douglas O’Halloran will continue on as President of the newly expanded Local and Theresa McLaren will also continue on as Secretary Treasurer. The merged local we will continue to be known as UFCW Canada Local 401.

“We welcome, however, the depth and expertise that Local 1118 brings with it regarding existing staff and leadership,” said President O’Halloran.

“Our combined values and vision for working Albertans will reap many benefits in the coming years and battles for fairness yet to come,” he concluded.