Solidarity on full display at rally for striking Saskatoon Co-op members
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Saskatoon, Sask. – March 11, 2019 – Labour activists, community allies, and family members came out in large numbers on March 8 to show solidarity with striking UFCW Local 1400 members at Saskatoon Co-op. At a lively rally held at the Co-op’s Attridge Gas Bar in Saskatoon, participants called on the company to “Stop the Greed” and negotiate a fair contract.
Co-hosted by UFCW Canada Locals 649 and 248P, the rally featured a barbecue organized by the UFCW Canada Local 1400 Women’s Committee, as well as several guest speakers and appearances from local Saskatchewan NDP Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
Members at Saskatoon Co-op have been on strike since November 2018, fighting back against their employer’s abandonment of co-op principles like fairness and pay equity. The striking workers are asking for an equitable collective agreement that provides fair pay to all employees.
At the Friday rally, activists from UFCW Locals 649 and 248P joined Local 1400 members in front of the Attridge Gas Bar for a major solidarity rally in support of workers at the Co-op. Participants heard from UFCW Canada Saskatchewan Provincial Council President Terry Harris, Local 248P President Pat Horbay, and Local 1400 President Norm Neault, who called on Saskatoon Co-op to do the right thing by negotiating a collective agreement that provides a fair future to Co-op employees.
“Workers at Saskatoon Co-op are fighting for pay equity and the future of good jobs, and we are here to show our solidarity and say we support your stand for fairness,” Harris told the rally-goers. “The company needs to know that an equitable contract means real compromise and fair pay for all Saskatoon Co-op employees, and they should do the right thing by getting back to the bargaining table to negotiate on these issues,” she continued.
Adding to their solidarity were many Co-op members, community allies, and activists from other unions and labour organizations, including the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL), SEIU-West, CUPE, USW Canada, IATSE, COPE, IBEW, the University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association (USFA), The Stand Community Organizing Centre, and the Saskatoon and District Labor Council (SDLC) — all joining the call for a fair agreement at Saskatoon Co-op. The Co-op members were also joined by workers from Federated Cooperatives Limited (FCL), the parent organization of Saskatoon Co-op.
You can help support the campaign for fairness at Saskatoon Co-op by sending a message to the company telling them to Stop the Greed and negotiate a collective agreement that provides fair pay and equal treatment to all Saskatoon Co-op employees. Take action by sending a message today.