Thomas Hesse
46 Hopewell Way NE T3J 5H7 Calgary, AB, Canada

Yesterday, I released an official statement about health concerns and safety at Superstores. #canlab #loblwws #superstore #ufcw

I caught wind of anti-masking event that was targeting the East Village Superstore. So Union Labour Relations Officers Stephen Reed and Joe Irving and I contacted the store to demand they increase security, alert the police, and then headed to the store to stand with our members. In the end, our actions and the added protections that resulted from our efforts deterred the organizers. And our Superstore members were spared from the unnecessary risk of an anti-masking event i...n their workplace. No matter the challenge, we won’t ever stop fighting to protect UFCW Local 401 members.

Great to see more on-site vaccination clinics taking place at Olymel and Sofina this week! Union members who wish to have access to safe vaccines should be given every opportunity to get vaccinated. But vaccination must be a choice and cannot be a condition of employment.

Loblaws needs to step up and take mandatory masking in their stores seriously. #canlab #ufcw #loblaws #superstore

Teamwork and solidarity lie at the very foundation of our labour movement. When workers work together, we are able to win victories and improve one another's lives. A great team recognized a great team that will move our movement forward.

In a recent letter, Alberta Health Services described unsafe working conditions at the Olymel Red Deer Plant, stating around 1 in 5 workers at the plant may be infected and spreading the virus. Those numbers are terrifying. Olymel workers, you have the right to refuse unsafe work! You may be eligible for:... Covid-19 Leave of Absence Financial Assistance from the Government of Canada Workers Compensation Benefits Other forms of assistance Your union is here to support you and ensure you understand your options. Call 1-800-252-7975 and ask to speak to Tony for assistance. #ufcw #canlab #olymel

... past & present experiences of unjust treatment, discrimination, ... because of the deep-rooted, systemic discrimination practices in this country ... that acknowledgement must serve as a catalyst for action toward social justice & equity ..." http://ow.ly/AuvC50DzcTI #bhm

CBC Radio talks about the $1200 benefit. At 14:30 UFCW 401 Shop Steward Karen Ekstrom jumps on the call and talks about the unfairness of who does and does not qualify and what it’s like working in the store during the pandemic. Great job Karen! http://ow.ly/wo7O50Dz4wY

... outbreak in an area of the plants that’s called the auto box ... we received some reassurances from the employer that the outbreak was confined to that area. Now ... it has in fact spread beyond that area, Thomas Hesse, UFCW Local 401 President. http://ow.ly/YHNf50Dy9wU

This has quickly become one of my favourite parts of Monday. It's great to see the spotlight shone on our members and learning more about the fantastic activists we have all across the province. - President Thomas Hesse

Politicians are one thing, but for Dr. Deena Hinshaw, a doctor, to allow this to continue is absolutely shameful. We call on doctor Hinshaw to stand up to the politicians. Science must prevail! - President Thomas Hesse

It’s time to put safety first. - President Thomas Hesse

President elect Joe Biden in the news... with the UFCW!

President Thomas Hesse and Secretary Treasurer Richelle Stewart have written an open letter to Premier Jason Kenney asking him to implement a province-wide mandatory mask policy to protect workers and bring Alberta in line with the rest of the country. https://gounion.ca//urgent-open-letter-to-kenney-re-manda/ #ufcw #canlab