Thomas Hesse

10/22/2026

Alberta has always been built on the contributions of people from all walks of life. We will not allow wedges to be driven between neighbours, coworkers, and families. Turning a cold shoulder to our immigrant population and creating the potential to freeze them out of benefits is very troubling; there’s a reason that the word ‘ICE’ has become a symbol of oppression in the US. Local 401 stands firmly together, and we will fiercely protect the dignity and rights of every single worker who calls this province home.

We are still processing the results of the recent referendum. While we were heartened to see Albertans vote to remain part of Canada, the ballot's complex immigration-focused questions lacked critical context and information that now leaves migrant workers vulnerable in the midst of an affordability crisis impacting all Albertans.

In this province, we welcome everyone. Because we are Canadians, and we know that diversity is our strength, not our weakness.

The people who pack our meat, stock our grocery shelves, and keep our families fed include many proud immigrants alongside their coworkers. They are our members, our family, and our neighbours. And UFCW Local 401 will always fight for them. We will urge the government not to make changes that will hurt so many families who are working hard, paying taxes, and just trying to make ends meet like the rest of us.

If it takes making employers pay their fair share to fund the changes and services our communities need, that is the fight we will wage.

Our communities are stronger than division. Migrants rights are workers rights.
Read the full statement: https://gounion.ca/news/ufcw-local-401-on-referendum-results-impacting-migrant-workers/

10/20/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to deepen our understanding of domestic violence and strengthen our commitment to supporting one another.

Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used to gain power and control over a partner. It can include physical or sexual violence, threats, humiliation, isolation, monitoring, and control over money or employment. Its effects can reach into every part of a person’s life, including their health, financial security, and workplace.

Domestic violence affects millions of people across our communities. According to Statistics Canada’s 2018 survey, 44% of women who had ever been in an intimate relationship reported experiencing psychological, physical, or sexual violence by a partner since age 15.

Domestic violence is also a workplace issue. When workers are targeted by an abusive partner, spouse, or family member, the impact can follow them to work through harassment, safety threats, attendance challenges, and financial instability. Labor unions are uniquely positioned to make a difference by ensuring our members have access to information and resources, workplaces are better prepared to respond, and no worker feels they must face abuse alone.

As members of the UFCW Women’s Network, we understand the strength of solidarity. That is why raising awareness about domestic violence is a priority for us.

If you want to be a part of the Local 401 Women's Committee, send an email to: [email protected]. The Women's Committee at our Local meets one a month, every second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm. In the coming months, we will share information, tools, and resources through a newsletter and a series of webinars designed to deepen our understanding and explore how each of us can play a role in creating safer, more supportive workplaces and communities.

10/18/2026

In the wake of the developing situation at CFB Wainwright, stands with all of those affected by this horrible incident, and we send our condolences to those who have been injured or have lost loved ones.

We stand in solidarity with our brothers, sisters, and friends who have been touched by this tragedy. We continue to monitor to situation in order to determine how best we can provide support and assistance.

10/18/2026

So proud to be speaking at the Alberta Federation of Labour rally in Edmonton at the Alberta Legislature. The workers united will never be defeated!

10/18/2026

On October 18, we recognize Persons Day in Canada, marking the historic 1929 decision that established women as “persons” under Canadian law, making them eligible for appointment to the Senate.

While this decision did not extend equality to all women, it was an important milestone in the fight for women’s rights and gender equality in Canada.

Nearly a century later, that fight is far from over.

At a time when women’s rights continue to face challenges, we must ask ourselves an important question: How can we claim to have achieved equality when something as basic as access to menstrual products is still treated as a privilege rather than a necessity?

Think about it. For generations, men’s washrooms have been designed with urinals to accommodate the specific needs of men. This has always been accepted as a normal and necessary part of workplace facilities. Yet when it comes to providing menstrual products in women’s washrooms, something equally basic and necessary, we are still having to fight for the same consideration and respect.

Why is one considered a standard workplace necessity while the other is treated as an added expense or special accommodation?

Menstrual products are not a luxury. They are essential hygiene products, and access to them should be as normal as providing toilet paper, soap, or other basic washroom necessities.

Period poverty remains a real issue in Canada, with one in four women reporting difficulties affording menstrual products. For workers already struggling with rising costs of living, including many in the food and retail sectors, this is another unnecessary financial burden.

More than half of UFCW Local 401’s members are women. We have a responsibility to ensure that the workplaces we represent reflect the dignity, respect, and equality that every worker deserves.

That is why menstrual equity has become an important priority at our bargaining tables.

We are proud that access to free menstrual products was among the improvements negotiated in the recently ratified Safeway collective agreement. This is a meaningful step forward, but it cannot be the last.

We will continue pushing for menstrual equity in collective agreements across Alberta because workplace equality isn’t just about wages and opportunities. It is also about recognizing and respecting the different needs of workers without making anyone feel that those needs are unreasonable or burdensome.

Persons Day reminds us how far we have come, but also how much work remains.

Equality should not require women to continually justify their most basic needs. Dignity and respect should be the standard, not something we have to bargain for.

Join us in advancing menstrual equity in Alberta workplaces. Add your voice by signing our petition:https://tinyurl.com/3ea2ax82

Because equality isn’t just something we celebrate. It’s something we have to keep fighting for.

10/16/2026

As a union that represents food workers, UFCW Local 401 acknowledges World Food Day and the important role that food workers play in making sure that families can get food on the table every day.

Unfortunately, food insecurity remains a persistent problem in Canada -- and especially in Alberta -- with far too many people still needing to resort to food banks. An important part of the work that we do is fighting at the bargaining table and in our communities for a world where families don't have to struggle for the basics.

As we reflect on these issues, we also prepare to mark tomorrow's International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which this year has the theme of safe housing for all: another important piece of the affordability crisis that continues to affect our members and our communities. In a province that has prioritized a divisive "referendum" over providing relief for Albertans from out-of-control rents, the message that safe, accessible and affordable housing should be a human-rights priority remains sadly relevant.

Learn more about World Food Day here: https://www.fao.org/world-food-day/en/

Learn more about the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty here: https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-for-eradicating-poverty/background

10/15/2026

It was great to be at the in-person Olymel proposal meeting and see more than 300 members come together. The turnout and the conversations reminded me of the union gatherings we used to have, where members came together, shared their views, and made their voices heard. One thing is certain: our strength comes from our members. Hearing directly from them helps us understand what matters most and will guide the priorities we bring to the bargaining table.

As we prepare for upcoming bargaining at Olymel, one thing is clear: our strength comes from each other. Workers across UFCW 401 workplaces share common priorities: fair wages, safe working conditions, respect on the job and the ability to speak up for respect.

Strong bargaining begins long before we reach the table. It starts with listening to members, building connections and standing together.

When we support one another across workplaces, we build the solidarity and collective power needed to make real improvements for working people!

Read the full story: https://gounion.ca/news/getting-ready-at-olymel/

10/13/2026

10/12/2026

This Thanksgiving, we reflect on our gratitude for the opportunity to represent tens of thousands of union members across Alberta. We also reflect on our thankfulness for recent victories and recognize the work still to be done.

Click here to read a Thanksgiving message from UFCW Local 401: https://tinyurl.com/xmjtxacv

10/08/2026

Our friends at Public Interest Alberta and the Broadbent Institute | Institut Broadbent are hosting a free online event this Saturday to talk to Albertans about the October 19th provincial referendum. They will be joined by special guest Rachel Notley.

This is one of your last chances to learn more about the questions being asked and what you can do about it.

You can sign up by visiting www.albertareferendum2026.org