Urban Fare Negotiations Begin

On June 23, the Union Negotiating Committee for Urban Fare met with officials of Overwaitea Food Group to begin negotiations for the renewal of the Urban Fare Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The negotiations kicked off with the union presenting and explaining the membership’s proposals to the Employer’s Committee. Last week UFCW Local 1518 members at 3 stores in downtown Vancouver voted 92% in favor of the Union’s package of proposals.

While the day got off to a good start, the Union Committee was soon disappointed and frustrated by the employer’s announcement that they would not be ready with proposals of their own until the second day of negotiations. The Union Committee was expecting the customary exchange of proposals to occur on the first day, but were told the employer was not prepared to provide any detail surrounding their negotiation agenda, and were only prepared to make general comments about the need to address challenges they say the business is facing.

The employer has committed to responding to the non-monetary elements of the Union Committee’s proposal package when negotiations resume on August 10th.  A further update will be made available after the employer’s position has been clarified at the August 10th meeting.

The Union Negotiating Committee is Jason Buckle and Nash Huntley of Urban Fare Yaletown, Bev Bednarz and Alli Brown of Urban Fare Coal Harbour, Colin Russell and Shelley Stieler of Alberni St. Urban Fare, with alternate Carrol Ann Thomas of Urban Fare Yaletown. The Union Committee is assisted by James Raposo (Director of Negotiations, UFCW 1518), and Monica Staff (Director, Member Services, UFCW 1518).